French Sports Minister swims in the Seine
**Next to the specifically built swimming pool, athletes are also expected to swim in the Seine River in Paris. The water quality is causing anxiety just before the start. The French Sports Minister, Amélie Oudea-Castera, took a bath in the Seine two weeks before the Paris Olympics began. Television footage from BFMTV showed the Minister in a full-body suit near the Pont des Invalides in the heart of the capital, where Olympic competitions are scheduled to take place.
Apart from the large, specifically built Arena Porte de la Chapelle Swimming Hall, there are plans to hold individual competitions in the Seine starting from July 26. However, it is still unclear if the water quality will be good enough.
Amélie Oudea-Castera slipped while getting into the river on a Saturday - stealing the show from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who had also announced a bath in the Seine for July 17, provided the water quality was sufficient. Accompanying the 46-year-old Minister was Triathlete Alexis Hanquinquant, who will carry the flag of the host country France during the Paralympics' opening ceremony at the end of August.
Poor water quality could influence the schedule
The Seine plays a crucial role in the Olympics: On July 26, around 100 boats carrying athletes are scheduled to pass down the river during the opening ceremony. Additionally, Triathlon and open water swimming competitions are planned in the Seine. Consequently, there have been concerns about the water quality in recent weeks.
The Paris City Hall announced on a Friday that the water quality had met the required standards at most of the past twelve days. "We hope that the weather will improve a little, but we are not worried about the holding of the competitions," Pierre Rabadan, Sports Advisor, told RFI.
If the water quality during the Olympics turns out to be poor, it is being considered to shift the corresponding competitions by a few days.
Despite the successful meeting of water quality standards at most locations in the past twelve days, concerns remain about maintaining optimal conditions for the upcoming Triathlon and open water swimming competitions in the Seine River for the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris. The French government is prepared to adjust the competition schedule if necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the athletes participating in these events.
The Olympic Games 2024 in Paris feature numerous sporting events, including a unique opportunity for athletes to compete in the Seine River, making it essential to prioritize water quality assessments and address any potential issues promptly to ensure smooth and successful completion of these competitions.
