Paris is gearing up to host the Olympics for the first time in a century. As temporary stadiums rise across the city, one important facility remains hidden – an underground tunnel and water tank costing $1.5 billion. This facility aims to clean up the Seine River, making it suitable for events like the triathlon and marathon swim races.
Yes, you heard that right – swimming in the Seine. Despite its romantic reputation, the river has long been polluted with sewage and other waste, making it illegal to swim in for the past century. However, the Paris Games organizers conducted test events last year, including a triathlon, to see if the Seine could be used for competitions. Athletes like Kirsten Kasper, a triathlete making her Olympic debut in Paris, found the experience unique, standing on the dock looking up at the Eiffel Tower.
A newly constructed water basin under the Austerlitz train station is meant to catch sewage during rainstorms and prevent pollution of the Seine. However, heavy rains in late May overwhelmed the system, rendering the river unswimmable once again. While officials hope for dry weather during the Games, they are prepared to postpone races or consider alternative locations if water quality drops.
Organizers of open water events often face challenges with water quality, as seen in past Olympics in Rio and Tokyo. Despite concerns, Paris Games officials are committed to meeting World Aquatics standards for safe swimming, ensuring that the water quality in the Seine meets health guidelines. Athletes like Morgan Pearson and Taylor Spivey have experienced swimming in the river without getting sick, providing some reassurance.
Parisians are slowly warming up to the idea of swimming in urban waterways, with plans to open three swimming areas along the river in 2025. The legacy of the Games includes not only the competition but also the potential for changing the perception of the Seine as a clean and safe swimming environment. As the city prepares to welcome athletes from around the world, ensuring their safety and well-being in the water remains a top priority for the Paris Games organizers.