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, an Olympic triathlete has spoken out about the shocking conditions she encountered while swimming in the Seine.
Belgian triathlete Jolien Vermeylen, who competed in the women’s world triathlon, shared her unsettling experience in the river. During her 1500-meter swim, she came across debris and witnessed disturbing sights that she would rather not recall. “While swimming under the bridge, I felt and saw things that we shouldn’t think about too much,” Vermeylen revealed in an interview with Flemish TV channel VTM.
Vermeylen’s concerns about falling ill due to the contaminated water are well-founded. The river’s E Coli levels were found to be up to ten times the acceptable limit in June, and some areas along the swim course still exceeded the acceptable limits despite efforts to improve water quality.
The triathlete’s experience has highlighted the long-standing pollution issue in the Seine River. Vermeylen criticized 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, but admitted that these measures may not have been sufficient.
Vermeylen’s concerns are shared by many, and the decision to proceed with the race has been questioned. The triathlete hopes that not too many athletes will fall ill as a result of swimming in the polluted river. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of the Seine River for swimming events and the need for urgent action to address the pollution issue.
