The Men’s and Women’s triathlon at the Paris Olympic Games went ahead as scheduled on Wednesday—including the swimming portion—ending weeks of speculation about the event's fate amid concerns about the pollution levels in the river Seine.
The Women's Triathlon event begins with the athletes diving into the Seine.
The women’s event was held first, with athletes starting the race near the historic Pont Alexandre III bridge amid a slight drizzle and gray skies.
According to the Associated Press, some athletes dipped their swim goggles in the river water before putting them on.
France’s Cassandre Beaugrand won gold in the women’s event with a time of 1 hour 54 minutes, while Julie Derron of Switzerland and Beth Potter of Great Britain won silver and bronze.
The men’s event, which was moved to Wednesday, also began as scheduled shortly after the women’s race.
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Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo—took a highly publicized dip in the river earlier this month to prove it was safe for swimming—hailed the completion of the event in an Instagram post, writing: “It was a bold gamble…We wanted to put Paris on show! This morning, the triathletes did it. We kept our promise!” She also celebrated Beaugrand’s gold on Instagram Stories, writing: “The incredible Cassandre Beaugrand has made history…How emotional to see her swimming in the Seine, thank you for making us so proud.”
The men’s event had to be postponed to Wednesday after tests conducted by World Triathlon early on Tuesday “revealed water quality levels that did not provide sufficient guarantees to allow the event to be held.” World Triathlon’s tests measure levels of fecal bacteria—like E. coli and Enterococci—in the water. As per the governing body’s regulations for inland water bodies like the Seine, E. coli levels cannot exceed 900 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters, while Enterococci levels cannot be higher than 330 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters.
The race began from the historic Pont Alexandre III bridge in Paris.
Athletes prepare to compete in the swimming race in the Seine during the Women's Triathlon.
The swimming portion of the Triathlon went ahead after weeks of concerns about the water quality in ... [+]
The triathletes participate in the swimming portion of the race in the Seine.
The Women's triathlon took place under gray skies and a light drizzle.
Athletes compete in the swim leg of the men's individual triathlon competition at the 2024 Summer ... [+]
The men's triathlon had to be moved from Tuesday to Wednesday due to concerns over the Seine's water ... [+]
France's Cassandre Beaugrand celebrates after winning the women's individual triathlon.
Polluted Seine River Delays Men’s Triathlon At Paris Olympics (Forbes)