Canadian triathlete Tyler Mislawchuk participated in the men’s triathlon at the Olympics and placed ninth. Despite feeling unwell and throwing up 10 times after the race, Mislawchuk attributed it to the hot weather rather than the water quality of the River Seine. The river, which had a controversial reputation for being polluted with E.coli bacteria, was cleaned by the city of Paris before the Olympics, with Mayor Anne Hidalgo praising its cleanliness.
However, heavy rainfall caused an increase in bacteria levels in the water, leading to the postponement of the men’s triathlon by one day due to poor water quality. The decision was made after a meeting of various stakeholders, including Paris 2024, World Triathlon, and the International Olympic Committee, based on water quality tests that did not meet the necessary standards for athlete safety. Despite concerns from athletes about competing in the Seine, the races went ahead as scheduled after the postponement.
Athletes expressed mixed feelings about the water quality in the Seine, with some like Belgian triathlete Jolien Vermeylen expressing skepticism and discomfort about swimming in it. Vermeylen mentioned feeling and seeing things in the water that were unsettling and criticized the organizers for prioritizing the race over athlete safety. Despite their concerns, the athletes completed the race, with Vermeylen joking about the taste of the water compared to Coca-Cola or Sprite.
The controversy surrounding the water quality in the River Seine during the Olympics highlighted the challenges faced by athletes in competing in potentially hazardous conditions. While efforts were made to clean the river before the Games, unforeseen circumstances such as heavy rainfall impacted the water quality and led to the postponement of the men’s triathlon. Athletes like Tyler Mislawchuk, despite feeling unwell after the race, pushed through and competed to the best of their abilities, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Moving forward, there may be discussions about implementing stricter guidelines for water quality testing and ensuring the safety of athletes in similar circumstances. The experiences of athletes like Mislawchuk and Vermeylen shed light on the importance of environmental and health considerations in sporting events, particularly those involving water sports. While the challenges faced by athletes in the men’s triathlon were significant, their resilience and commitment to their sport were evident throughout the competition, demonstrating the Olympic spirit and dedication to their craft.
