Controversy Surrounds Seine River Swimming as Paris 2024 Triathlons Proceed Amid E. coli Concerns

Last month, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo attracted attention by swimming in the Seine River, which has long been deemed too polluted for swimming due to health concerns about its water quality.

“The Seine is lovely,” Hidalgo remarked. “The water is very good—slightly cool, but manageable.”

In preparation for the Olympics, $1.5 billion has been spent on improving Paris's sewer system to make the Seine swimmable. Despite these upgrades, risks remain. Recently, Belgium’s Olympic team had to cancel a triathlon event after triathlete Claire Michel became ill with an E. coli infection following a swim in the Seine.

E. coli bacteria can lead to serious health issues like diarrhea, urinary tract infections, or even more severe conditions. Switzerland’s triathlete Adrien Briffod also had to withdraw due to a gastrointestinal infection, though it's unclear if this was linked to the Seine’s water.

Paris 2024 officials insist that the water quality was deemed “very good” during the triathlon events, with daily testing conducted to ensure safety. Decisions about holding events are based on these tests and health criteria, coordinated with the International Federation World Triathlon.

Despite these assurances, the triathlon events will proceed as planned. Water quality can vary, particularly after heavy rain, which caused a spike in E. coli levels recently.

Athletes remain cautious about the river’s condition. “We have one of the most beautiful venues at the Olympics,” said gold medalist Alex Yee, “but it does come with the risk of the Seine being less clean.”

Belgian triathlete Jolien Vermeylen also expressed concerns, noting, “While swimming under the bridge, I noticed things that are better left unthought about.”