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 her unsettling experience while swimming in the Seine.
Belgian triathlete Jolien Vermeylen, who competed in the women’s world triathlon, recounted her unnerving encounter with debris and unmentionable substances during her 1500-meter swim. “While swimming under the bridge, I felt and saw things that we shouldn’t think about too much,” she revealed in an interview with Flemish TV channel VTM.
Vermeylen’s concerns about falling ill due to the contaminated water are well-founded. The Seine River has been found to have high levels of E Coli, which can cause serious health issues, including diarrhea, pneumonia, and sepsis. Despite efforts to improve water quality, some areas along the swim course still exceeded acceptable limits.
The triathlete’s experience has raised questions about the priority given to athletes’ safety. Vermeylen bluntly stated, “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!” Her comments highlight the long-standing pollution issue in the Seine River and the need for urgent action.
As a precaution, Vermeylen took probiotics and drank Yakult, a fermented milk beverage, but admitted that these measures may not have been sufficient. Her experience serves as a warning to other athletes and organizers, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of competitors.
