Athletes participating in this week’s triathlons in Paris shared their honest reviews of the notoriously dirty Seine River. Despite efforts to clean up the river water, including a $1.5 million investment in a system to remove bacteria like E. coli, athletes still found the water less than ideal. New Zealand’s Ainsley Thorpe described the water as tasting bad and looking brown, offering a less than favorable review of the conditions.
The efforts to improve the water quality of the Seine River faced challenges when heavy rainfall led to a significant amount of wastewater being flushed into the river over the weekend. This setback caused delays in the men’s triathlon event, as organizers worked to ensure that the water quality was safe for competition. Despite the cloudy and murky conditions of the river, athletes tried to maintain a positive attitude and focus on the task at hand.
American triathlete Seth Rider expressed concern about accidentally swallowing water during the swim portion of the event, joking that he may have ingested a liter of water. Fellow American Taylor Spivey admitted to taking precautionary measures such as probiotics in the month leading up to the competition. Despite these measures, the reality of swimming in the Seine River, known for its pollution and dirtiness, could not be avoided.
French President Emmanuel Macron praised the efforts to clean up the Seine River and make it swimmable again after a century. He celebrated the success of the clean-up in a social media post on the day of the race, highlighting the progress made in just four years. While athletes may have had mixed feelings about swimming in the river, the overall sentiment was one of recognition for the efforts made to improve the water quality and allow for international competitions like triathlons to take place.
The challenges faced in preparing the Seine River for competitive events reflected the ongoing efforts to balance environmental concerns with the need for suitable venues for athletics. Despite the less than ideal conditions of the river, athletes forged ahead with the competition, showcasing their dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity. The experience of swimming in the Seine River may not have been pleasant for some athletes, but it served as a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and the impact of human activities on natural resources.
In conclusion, the triathlons in Paris this week highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve the water quality of the Seine River and make it safe for competitive events. Athletes faced challenges in dealing with the less than ideal conditions of the river, but ultimately persevered and completed the competition. The experience served as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and efforts to protect natural resources for future generations. Despite the mixed reviews of the river’s cleanliness, the overall sentiment was one of acknowledgement for the progress made in making the Seine swimmable again after many years.
