Concerns over the water quality of the River Seine have been ignited after several Olympic triathletes reported falling ill following their events in Paris.
The river, which hosts swimming events for the Paris 2024 Olympics, has become a focal point for criticism amid rising health and safety concerns.
Multiple athletes from Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, and Sweden have been forced to withdraw from their competitions due to gastrointestinal issues.
The illness outbreak comes after Team Belgium’s withdrawal from Monday’s mixed relay triathlon, prompted by one of its athletes falling sick after the women’s individual triathlon event last week.
The Swiss team also had to adjust their relay lineup twice due to similar infections affecting their athletes.
The Associated Press reported additional cases, including a female triathlete from Sweden and a male athlete from Norway, who both became ill after their respective events.
Although the exact cause of the illnesses remains unconfirmed, many are pointing to the Seine’s water quality as a potential factor.
Concerns about the river’s safety have been prevalent leading up to and during the Games, with previous warnings about the potential health risks of swimming in polluted water.
In an emailed statement to Global News, a spokesperson for Paris 2024 assured that “the health and well-being of athletes is our top priority,” adding that daily water quality tests are conducted in coordination with World Triathlon and based on multiple health criteria.
Despite this, bacteria levels in the Seine had already caused organisers to postpone the men’s triathlon by a day last week.
Recent water tests revealed that levels of E. coli and enterococci were within acceptable limits for the triathlon course.
However, a test run scheduled for Tuesday to familiarise athletes with the marathon swimming course was cancelled over water quality concerns, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the remaining events in the Seine.
The Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee expressed disappointment over the situation, stating that they hope “lessons will be learned for the next triathlon competitions at the Olympic Games.”
Swiss officials also voiced concerns, highlighting the health impact on their athletes.
This controversy casts a shadow over the upcoming events in the Seine, including the women’s marathon swim on Thursday and the men’s marathon swim on Friday.
