PARIS: Lately, many Olympic athletes have fallen sick after swimming in the Seine River, sparking concerns about the water quality. The Seine, flowing through the heart of Paris, is a famous landmark, but it might not be the healthiest place for a swim.

The issue seems to be linked to the water quality. Despite efforts to clean up the river, it’s not entirely free from pollution. Various contaminants, including bacteria and viruses, can thrive in water bodies, especially in urban areas. When athletes swim in such water, they can easily pick up infections.

One major problem is the sewage overflow, which can happen during heavy rains. When the city’s sewer system gets overwhelmed, untreated sewage can flow directly into the Seine. This significantly raises the levels of harmful bacteria, making the water unsafe for swimming. Even though there are treatment plants, they might not always keep up with the volume, especially during extreme weather.

Officials have been working on improving the situation, aiming to make the Seine safe for the 2024 Olympics. They’ve implemented measures like building more treatment facilities and monitoring water quality more frequently. However, these efforts take time, and it’s clear that there’s still a long way to go.

For now, athletes and organisers are in a tricky spot. They need to balance the desire to use this iconic location with the health risks it poses. There’s also a push to raise awareness about the importance of clean water not just for competitions but for everyone’s health and the environment.

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In the meantime, it’s crucial for athletes to be cautious. Avoiding ingestion of water and proper hygiene post-swim can help reduce the risk of falling ill. Hopefully, with continued efforts, the Seine will become a safe venue for Olympic swimming, free from the shadow of waterborne illnesses.