“This is a historical indiscretion” | Relief

Olympic triathlon has unwittingly become the epicentre of attention in Paris. The men’s event, originally scheduled for Tuesday morning, was moved to Wednesday, a day later, because of the presence faecal bacteria in the waters of the Seinethe place where the swimming race begins.

However, the decision was made shortly before five in the morning.After a meeting that lasted longer than expected and that while the triathletes were going to bed, the Paris 2024 organization, the city council, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Triathlon Federation were present. In any case, the ruling shows that the quality of the Seine’s waters is not ideal for ensuring the health of athletes.

“I think it was historically reckless.“, – assures this publication Benjamín Piña, a researcher at the CSIC at the Institute for Environmental Diagnostics and Water Research (IDAEA). “When the rain floods the Seine, and this happens in Paris, Barcelona and any other city, the sewers overflow and send the sewers into the river. Of course, in Barcelona, ​​these contaminated waters end up in the sea and remain there for several hours. However, in Paris everything remains the same.“.

At this point, the key is patience. “We have to wait at least until the health indicators are back,” says Pigna. “And for that, it’s important that it doesn’t rain again.” The reality is that at this point, the heat and the Parisian sky suggest there’s no risk of rain between now and the race. Now that may not be enough. The men’s triathlon was also suspended on Tuesday.As was the case yesterday and the day before, the “introductory” classes for triathletes were cancelled. And in Paris, not a drop has fallen since last Saturday..

“Right now, swimming in the Seine can cause very serious diarrhea in athletes,” warns CSIC researcher Relevo.In the presence of E. coli and intestinal enterococci (faecal bacteria exceeding ideal values ​​in the river), There will also be salmonella, protozoa and many other bacteria. It spread very quickly.

Thus, Piña considers the cancellation of the test more than justified. “Even without swallowing the water, but just swimming in this water, a few percent of people, who knows, five or ten percent, will catch dysentery, severe diarrhea or other similar illness“.

The anxiety is growing with each passing moment.

As Relevo learned, There is growing concern among Spanish triathletes about the quality of Parisian water.. This is not surprising given the risks. However, the national team coach Roberto Cejuelaprefers to remain calm.

“Triathlon is a sport that depends a lot on local authorities in terms of routes, water quality, etc.,” says Relevo, the coach and director of sports at the University of Alicante. “We are more or less used to this kind of change, but it is true that This is something that has never happened in the Olympics… It seems frivolous. And this“.

However, this is not the first time they have experienced such a turn of events just hours before the test. “For example, it happened to us in Madrid last year. We got up and instead of triathlon we did duathlon“He assures that he is convinced that this Wednesday in Paris the formula will be repeated.”It worries the kids, it worries us all, but it is what it is.We adapt to what we have and, fortunately or unfortunately, we are cured of fear.”

Victoria Pons, head of the Physiology and Nutrition Department at the CAR Sant Cugat, shares the same opinion.The best option is to switch to duathlon and avoid the risks.” he concludes. “These things can lead to gastroenteritis, diarrhea, ear infections or even conjunctivitis. “They take risks in competition, and while this is nothing new in triathlon, it is clear that it is not ideal.”

In any case, if nothing changes (which seems to be saying a lot, given what we’ve seen), This Wednesday they will celebrate two triathlon competitions. First up is the women’s event, with Miriam Casillas and Anna Godoy taking part from eight in the morning. Right after that, at around 10:45, the men’s competition will take place, with Antonio Serrat, Roberto Sanchez and Alberto Gonzalez competing. Let’s see if they jump into the Seine or not.