Olympic Triathlon Braves Seine’s Waters with Thrilling Mixed Relay Competition

Olympic triathletes took to the Seine River in Paris on Monday for the mixed relay event, following assurances from organizers about the water quality. Recent tests indicated bacteria levels in the famously polluted river were within acceptable limits set by World Triathlon.

The Seine, historically off-limits for swimming since 1923, posed a significant challenge for event planners. Construction of a giant basin and upgrades to sewer and wastewater treatment systems were part of the 1.4 billion euro ($1.5 billion) effort to make the river swimmable again.

German athletes emerged victorious in a nail-biting finish, claiming gold. The United States secured silver and Britain took bronze. However, the event came amid growing concerns after Belgium’s Olympic committee withdrew their team, citing illness in one of their swimmers.

On Sunday night, representatives from World Triathlon, the International Olympic Committee, and Paris Games organizers reviewed the most recent water quality tests. Results revealed improved conditions that would meet World Triathlon standards by Monday morning.

Heavy rains throughout the Games complicated matters, leading to fluctuating levels of fecal bacteria, including E. coli. Despite the challenges, the race proceeded under bright sunshine.

Brazilian triathlete Arnold Djenyfer remarked on the consistent water conditions compared to earlier races. Norwegian athlete Vetle Bergsvik Thorn reported a short bout of stomach illness after swimming in the Seine but couldn’t definitively link it to the river.

The Swiss team faced a turbulent weekend as two athletes had to withdraw due to gastrointestinal infections. Julie Derron, who won silver in the women’s individual triathlon, still described the overall experience as memorable despite the challenges.

World Triathlon’s guidelines allow for E. coli levels up to 1,000 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters, qualifying as “good” for competition. The mixed relay saw teams of two men and two women, each covering 300 meters in the water, 6.8 kilometers on bikes, and a 2-kilometer run.