Paris Hosts Olympic Triathlon Amidst Concerns over Seine's Water Quality

With the world watching, the triathlon competitions went ahead in Paris on Wednesday, despite concerns over water quality in the River Seine that had caused the men's race to be postponed a day earlier.

Beaugrand Dominates Despite Slippery Conditions

Cassandre Beaugrand of France emerged victorious in the women's race, navigating the Seine's murky waters and slippery roads with remarkable skill. She ascended to the top of the podium, capturing the gold medal with a time of 1 hour, 54 minutes, 55 seconds.

Yee's Stunning Finish Earns Him Gold

In a thrilling men's race, Britain's Alex Yee produced a sensational finish, surging past New Zealand's Hayden Wilde in the final bend to claim the gold medal. Wilde had held a 15-second lead during the run, but Yee's relentless pursuit paid off, earning him the victory by a mere six seconds.

Organizers Celebrate Successful Event

Despite the initial postponement, organizers hailed the event as a success, with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo declaring that the city had "won our bet" by hosting the races in the Seine. She highlighted the significant investment made in cleaning up the river, which had been considered "almost a sewer" in the past.

Athletes Express Trust in Water Quality

Although the water quality had raised concerns, athletes expressed confidence in the safety measures implemented by organizers. Switzerland's Julie Derron, who won the silver medal in the women's race, stated that she trusted the authorities and organizers to ensure the safety of the athletes.

Yee Lauds Paris for Seine Clean-up Efforts

Alex Yee, the men's gold medalist, commended the organizers for their efforts to clean up the Seine. He acknowledged the challenges posed by hosting the event in the river but praised the government's proactive approach to improving water quality.

Environmental Legacy and Inspiration

Yee expressed hope that the triathlon would inspire Parisians to take up the sport, particularly given the improvements made to the Seine's water quality. He believes that the event will leave a lasting legacy, encouraging people to enjoy the river in ways that were previously impossible.

Seine Water Quality Concerns Persist

Despite the organizers' assurances, the Seine's water quality remains a concern. Official data shows that rainfall events can quickly cause E. coli levels to spike, which could have forced the cancellation of the swimming leg of the triathlon if levels had exceeded 1000 CFU/100mL.

Additional Trivia

• The triathlon races consisted of a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike race, and a 10-kilometer run.
• A mixed team relay race also took place, with each team member completing a 300-meter swim, 5.8-kilometer bike ride, and 1.8-kilometer run.
• Paris officials have ambitious plans to transform the Seine into a welcoming space for swimming and other recreational activities after the Olympics.