As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, concerns about the safety of the Seine River for swimming events have resurfaced. Despite promises to clean up the polluted river, one Olympic triathlete’s recent experience has cast doubt on the authorities’ claims.
Belgian triathlete Jolien Vermeylen, who competed in the women’s world triathlon, shared her unsettling experience of swimming in the Seine. During her 1500-meter swim, she encountered debris and witnessed disturbing sights that she preferred not to dwell on. “While swimming under the bridge, I felt and saw things that we shouldn’t think about too much,” she revealed in an interview with Flemish TV channel VTM.
Vermeylen’s concerns about falling ill due to the contaminated water were palpable. “We’ll know tomorrow if I’m sick or not,” she said, adding that the water “doesn’t taste like Coca-Cola or Sprite, of course.” Her worries were not unfounded, given that the river’s E Coli levels were found to be up to ten times the acceptable limit in June.
Despite efforts to improve water quality, some areas along the swim course still exceeded the acceptable limits. Vermeylen was scathing in her criticism of the authorities, stating, “The Seine has been dirty for a hundred years, so they can’t claim that the safety of the athletes is a priority. That’s bulls**t!”
As a precaution, Vermeylen took pro-biotics and drank Yakult, a fermented milk beverage. However, she acknowledged that these measures may not have been sufficient. The athlete admitted that proceeding with the race was a difficult decision and expressed hope that not too many athletes would fall ill.
Vermeylen’s experience has raised important questions about the safety of the Seine River for swimming events. As the Olympics approach, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will take decisive action to address the river’s pollution issues.
