At the 2024 Paris Olympics, triathletes competing in the Seine River faced concerns about water quality and strong currents. Historically, the Seine was so polluted that swimming was banned for a century, raising fears of waterborne diseases like E. coli. Team USA’s Taylor Spivey and Seth Rider, along with Belgian triathletes Jolien Vermeylen and Marten Van Riel, expressed worries about swallowing contaminated water. Despite precautions like taking probiotics, the athletes were cautious.

Vermeylen humorously noted the water’s unpleasant taste and sight, while Van Riel criticized its murkiness and experienced stomach pain. However, French triathlete Cassandre Beaugrand, who won gold, remained confident, reflecting the significant $1.5 billion investment to clean the river. Although the Seine’s currents were challenging, the athletes persevered, with Alex Yee of Britain winning gold in the men’s event. Despite the difficulties, the triathletes’ resilience highlighted their competitive spirit.