German Triathlon Icon has water fears about successors
Will the Olympic triathlon be just a Duathlon instead? German triathlon icon Jan Frodeno warns against swimming in the polluted Seine. He also reminds us of his wife's fate.
German triathlon star Jan Frodeno expresses concerns about the health of Olympic athletes due to the poor water quality of the Seine. He knows that "the athletes prefer it and are willing to take the risk to have a Triathlon instead of a Duathlon as an event," said the 43-year-old. However, his wife Emma "had to retire from her career due to water contamination at a World Cup at the age of 33," and no one would wish that on anyone.
Emma Frodeno won Olympic gold in 2008 in Beijing, just like her husband, under her maiden name Snowsill. In 2014, she retired due to swimming in polluted water. The training of triathletes in Paris had to be canceled on both Sunday and Monday due to heavy rainfall. The water quality limits were exceeded during testing.
There is a possibility that the men's race scheduled for Tuesday (8 am on ARD and Eurosport, as well as in the liveticker at ntv.de) could be shifted to Friday. In the worst-case scenario, the swimming portion could be canceled entirely. Then, a Duathlon (running, swimming, running) would be held instead. "A Duathlon would probably bear a medal with a star forever, even if the absolute favorites would be the same," said Frodeno.
If swimming is possible, the currently strong current of the Seine would have an impact on the race. "It would probably be fair, it just makes it more uncertain for the athletes," explained Frodeno.
Despite Jan Frodeno's concerns about the water quality for the Olympic triathlon in Paris 2024, the athletes are eager to participate, potentially facing a Duathlon instead if the Seine's pollution levels remain high. Reminded of his wife Emma's retirement due to water contamination, Frodeno emphasizes the risks involved with watersports in Paris.
