Paris 2024 Triathlon Faces Water Quality Concerns Amid Regeneration Efforts

As Paris prepares for the 2024 Olympics, the River Seine is set to be a central venue for triathlon events, marking a significant return of swimming to the city. However, concerns about water quality persist, with city swimming banned for a century due to pollution. Despite recent efforts to clean the river, including a public swim by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, the heavy rainfall over the weekend has raised doubts about the safety of the water for athletes and spectators alike. Organizers had expressed confidence that the triathlon would proceed as planned, but the recent weather has complicated those assurances. Tests have shown that E.coli levels in the Seine often exceed the limits set by sports federations, prompting skepticism from both locals and tourists. Many visitors from countries with cleaner open-water swimming options shared their willingness to swim in the Seine if safety could be guaranteed. The ongoing regeneration project aims to improve the Seine's water quality, with infrastructure designed to prevent sewage overflow during heavy rains. Despite these efforts, the river's current state raises questions about its readiness for the influx of athletes and spectators expected during the Games. Tourists from various nations have expressed a desire to swim in the Seine, highlighting a cultural contrast in attitudes toward open-water swimming. As the countdown to the Olympics continues, the city faces the challenge of ensuring that the Seine is not only a picturesque backdrop for the Games but also a safe environment for all participants.