Seine Water Quality Raises Concerns at Paris 2024

Concerns about water quality in the River Seine have escalated after multiple triathletes fell ill following their events at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Belgian triathlete Claire Michel clarified she contracted a virus, not E.coli, despite significant medical attention needed. New Zealand's Hayden Wilde and Swiss athlete Adrien Briffod were among those affected, with Wilde confirmed to have had E.coli. The Belgian and Swiss teams had to withdraw or adjust their relay teams due to illnesses, raising questions about the effectiveness of the river's cleanup. Organizers have defended their measures, stating that water quality tests are conducted daily and deemed compliant by World Aquatics. Despite this, the pollution in the Seine remains a contentious issue, with historical and recent evidence of fecal contamination persisting.