In a disquieting development for the upcoming Olympic Games, concerns have surfaced regarding the suitability of the Seine River in Paris to host swimming events due to pollution levels. The issue, raised by a prominent European non-profit organization, Surfrider Foundation Europe, casts a shadow over an iconic aspect of the games.
Over the past six months, Surfrider Foundation Europe has diligently assessed the water quality of the Seine River. Their findings revealed troubling levels of bacteria in the sections earmarked for triathlon, marathon swimming, and paratriathlon events. Out of the organization’s bimonthly tests, only one sample met the minimum standards of acceptability.
Expressing apprehension over the health risks posed to athletes, the Surfrider Foundation Europe articulated its concerns in a statement, asserting that participants in the Olympic and Paralympic events slated for the Seine would be exposed to polluted waters.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the president of the Paris Organizing Committee, Tony Estanguet, conceded to NBC News the possibility of postponing or canceling triathlon swimming events should pollution levels persist. Despite expressing confidence in the feasibility of utilizing the Seine, Estanguet admitted the potential for a final decision prohibiting swimming, in compliance with the regulations of the International Federation.
The decision to designate the Seine as a venue for Olympic competitions, and subsequently for public bathing, was heralded as a historic move, marking the river’s reintroduction to aquatic activities after a hiatus spanning over a century. Post-Olympics, Paris plans to inaugurate three official bathing sites for both locals and tourists by 2025.
Since the unveiling of this initiative last year, Paris authorities have been diligently striving to enhance water quality, with measures including the installation of disinfection units. Estanguet affirmed ongoing efforts to address the challenge, emphasizing collaborative endeavors with relevant authorities and underscoring the project’s broader legacy implications.
“As we committed to hosting competitions in the Seine, we were aware of the magnitude of the challenge,” remarked Estanguet. “Despite the complexities involved, our collaborative efforts with authorities reflect a significant investment towards realizing this ambitious project, which holds promise for a lasting legacy.”