The 2024 Paris Olympics have been marred by controversy after Belgian triathlete Jolien Vermeylen and other athletes criticized the decision to hold swimming events in the highly polluted River Seine. Vermeylen, who finished 24th in the women’s triathlon, voiced her discontent following a grueling race that left her questioning the organizers' commitment to athlete safety.
A Contaminated Challenge
Vermeylen's frustration was palpable as she spoke to VTM after the event.
"I drank a lot of water during the race, so we’ll know tomorrow if I’m sick or not," she said, reflecting on the polluted conditions she endured. The River Seine, long plagued by pollution, failed to meet acceptable health standards despite efforts to clean it up in anticipation of the Olympics.
Recent tests revealed that the Seine’s water contained unacceptable levels of bacteria, exacerbated by heavy rainfall that worsened the river’s condition.
This prompted a postponement of the triathlon race, originally scheduled for July 30, 2024. The postponement did little to alleviate concerns, as the pollution remained a significant issue.
"The Seine Has Been Dirty for a Hundred Years"
Vermeylen did not hold back in her criticism of the Games’ organizers.
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