The Paris Olympics 2024 brought with it a wave of excitement, but also a looming question – would the Seine River be clean enough to host swimming events? The concerns weren’t unfounded. Leading up to the Games, practice sessions were canceled due to water quality concerns, and athletes voiced their unease.
The issue reached a head when reports emerged of athletes falling ill after swimming in the Seine. The Belgian team even withdrew from the mixed-relay event after 35-year-old Claire Michel experienced gastrointestinal symptoms. While Michel attributed her illness to a virus, the incident highlighted the dangers of swimming in a river notorious for its history of pollution.
Bill Sullivan, PhD, a microbiologist and professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine, explained the Seine’s historical pollution issues, citing sewage contamination and soil erosion as major factors. These contribute to the presence of dangerous bacteria like E. coli, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia.
Heavy rainfall exacerbates the problem, as outdated sewer systems overflow, washing waste into the river. Despite rain preceding the triathlons, officials declared the water safe based on test results. However, Dr. Sullivan stressed that testing only covers specific bacteria, leaving a margin for other pathogens.
While athletes were encouraged to avoid swallowing water, teams like Great Britain opted for preventative measures like probiotics for their swimmers. These beneficial bacteria can compete with harmful microbes in the gut, reducing the severity of any illness.
Other strategies include disinfecting athletes after swimming to prevent skin infections. Dr. Sullivan emphasizes the importance of handwashing and personal hygiene, warning against the misconception that ignoring hygiene practices can build immunity.
The marathon swim scheduled for August 8 and 9 in the Seine is still planned, with a backup location in place if water quality deteriorates. The ongoing debate highlights the challenges of hosting events in potentially contaminated waters, even with rigorous testing and preventative measures. The Paris Olympics’ water quality saga serves as a reminder that even seemingly iconic waterways can pose health risks, necessitating a careful balancing act between sporting spectacle and athlete safety.
