Paris Spends $1.5 Billion to Clean Seine for Olympics, Still Too Dirty for Swimming

As the Paris Olympics commenced, the Seine River, a central feature of the opening ceremony, was deemed unsafe for swimming due to dangerously high E. coli levels. Despite a $1.5 billion investment aimed at cleaning the river for Olympic events, tests revealed E. coli concentrations over 20 times the acceptable limit set by World Triathlon. This situation highlights the ongoing health risks associated with the river, which has been off-limits for swimming for over a century. The significant financial commitment from Paris was directed towards constructing an underground tunnel and water storage facility intended to purify the Seine for triathlon and open-water swimming events. However, with the river still contaminated, organizers have not established a contingency plan, leading to the postponement of the men's triathlon. This lack of foresight raises concerns about the prioritization of aesthetic venues over athlete safety, a trend observed in previous Olympic Games, such as those in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo. In response to the health risks, some athletes are resorting to unconventional methods to prepare for potential exposure. American triathlete Seth Rider has expressed his intention to increase his E. coli tolerance, while others are focusing on enhancing their gut health through probiotics. The postponement of the triathlon underscores the urgent need for a viable backup plan that ensures athlete safety without squandering taxpayer resources. As the games progress, the situation serves as a reminder of the critical balance between hosting grand events and safeguarding the health of participants.