Concerns Over Water Quality in the Seine Ahead of Paris Olympics
With the Olympics just weeks away, the readiness of Paris to host the event is under scrutiny. Photos circulating on social media reveal unfinished landscaping, garbage, and damaged sidewalks, but the most pressing issue is the water quality of the Seine, where swimming and triathlon competitions are to be held.
According to reports from the Paris City Hall, the water quality in the Seine is subpar due to an unfavorable hydrological regime characterized by excessive rain, strong runoff, limited sunlight, and pollution. This has led to contamination with E. coli and other bacteria, raising significant concerns for the upcoming competitions.
In response, the organizing committee has developed a contingency plan. Tony Estanguet, the director of the committee, announced that open water competitions might be relocated to Vers-sur-Marne, and the swimming part of the triathlon could be canceled, a decision that would significantly alter the competition's dynamics.
Efforts and Controversies Surrounding the Olympics
Despite the concerns, the Paris administration remains optimistic. Deputy Mayor Pierre Rabadan assured that the Olympic tournament is not in danger, with Mayor Anne Hidalgo planning to swim in the Seine as a symbolic gesture. Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, the French Minister of Sports, has already taken a dip in the Seine, albeit in a wetsuit, to demonstrate the water's safety.
Political tensions add another layer of complexity. President Emmanuel Macron's decision to call early parliamentary elections has been criticized by Hidalgo, who fears it could disrupt the Olympic spirit. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has refuted rumors about the potential cancellation of the Games due to political instability, labeling them as disinformation.
To ensure safety, several countries, including Spain, the USA, and Germany, are sending law enforcement officers to Paris. Additionally, 5,000 police officers from other French regions have been deployed in the capital.
The participation of Russian athletes has also been a topic of discussion. Only 15 Russian athletes will compete, contrary to the IOC's expectations. Wrestler Shamil Mamedov's potential participation was widely debated, but he ultimately withdrew due to injury. The IOC is financially supporting the travel and accommodation of all individual neutral athletes.
In a surprising turn, federal television channels in Russia may not broadcast the Olympics for the first time in 40 years due to the suspension of Russian athletes and perceived lack of interest.
- The water quality issue in the Seine has been a longstanding problem, exacerbated by sewage and outdated sewer systems. Since Paris's Olympic bid in 2016, over 1.4 billion euros have been invested to clean the river.
- Swimming in the Seine has been banned since 1923 due to pollution and shipping traffic dangers. However, recent water quality tests show improvement, meeting Olympic standards on six of the last seven days measured.
- Mayor Anne Hidalgo plans to swim in the Seine on July 17 if water quality remains satisfactory, following a postponed attempt in June due to poor test results.
