PARIS (AP) — Unlike the fictional shark-infested waters of a recent action movie, there are no sharks in the Seine River. However, a shark watch was once in effect during the inaugural Olympic triathlon in 2000 at the Sydney Games.
In the world of Olympic triathlons, water issues are nothing new. At times, obstacles like boats and water quality concerns have disrupted events. Recently, the triathlons at the last two Summer Games have faced challenges related to water conditions.
Paris is no exception. The city’s iconic Seine River has been the latest venue to test the limits of triathlon swimming. Despite organizers' assurances that both the triathlon and marathon swimming events next week will be safe, health concerns have arisen, echoing similar worries from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games at Copacabana Beach.
“I understand they’re great waterways and sources of pride, but why risk it?” said Dr. Nicole Iovine, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Florida. “It’s a health and safety issue that can’t be entirely controlled. If there are alternatives, why take the risk?”
Paris Olympics: Seine Water Quality
The Seine’s picturesque setting, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, was a highlight as triathletes finished on a bridge spanning the river. However, concerns about water quality were significant. Elevated bacteria levels delayed the men's race, though it ultimately went ahead. The stunning views of Paris provided a visual treat for television audiences as athletes cycled and ran past the city’s landmarks.
The event was part of an ambitious €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) plan to clean up the Seine, which included major infrastructure upgrades. Although some swim practice sessions were canceled and the men's race was rescheduled a day later, the overall feedback was positive. “I didn’t think the Seine was that dirty,” said French triathlete Léo Bergere, who won bronze. “Big cities always face pollution challenges, but they managed to deliver today.”
Rio Games: Contaminated Copacabana Beach
Leading up to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, waterways around the city were found to be heavily contaminated with raw sewage, according to a 16-month AP study. Copacabana Beach, designated for the marathon and triathlon swimming events, was found to have contamination levels exceeding California’s limits by five times over the testing period.
Since then, a private concessionaire has been working to rehabilitate the aquatic environment in Rio’s western zone, aiming to remove enough silt and pollution to fill 920 Olympic-size swimming pools.
Sydney Games: Shark Watch
During the Sydney Games in 2000, divers monitored the waters of Sydney Harbour for sharks as a precautionary measure for the triathlon’s debut. Though no sharks were sighted, the divers used an electrical device emitting low-frequency signals to ease competitors’ concerns.
Fast forward to 2024: A new Netflix film, “Under Paris,” features a fictional shark and a triathlon in the Seine, adding a touch of cinematic drama to the real-life event.
Tokyo Games: False Start
At the Tokyo 2021 Games, the men’s triathlon had to be restarted when a boat containing cameras obstructed the competitors’ path. The initial false start was signaled, but not all athletes heard the buzzer. Some leaders had already swum about 200 meters before being halted and directed back to the start.
LA Games: On Deck
Looking ahead, the Los Angeles Games are set to feature triathlon and marathon swimming events at Long Beach. Stay tuned for how these events will unfold.
