Paris Olympian Pulls Out of Competition Amid Water Quality Concerns

Swedish long-distance swimmer Victor Johansson has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics' 10-kilometer event due to concerns over the water quality of the Seine River, becoming the latest athlete to withdraw over health fears.

## Article:

Paris Olympian Pulls Out of Competition Amid Water Quality Concerns

Swedish swimmer Victor Johansson has pulled out of the Paris Olympics' 10-kilometer event due to concerns over the water quality of the Seine River. The 25-year-old told Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter that he became ill after swimming in the waterway during Olympic competition.

Johansson, who was making his Olympic debut in Paris, described the experience as unpleasant from the outset. "Swimming in the river didn't feel good from the start," he said. "I know for sure that others have also gotten sick."

Paris Olympian Pulls Out of Competition Amid Water Quality Concerns

This news comes amidst ongoing water quality concerns surrounding the Seine, which has prompted other athletes to withdraw from competitions. Belgium withdrew its entire triathlon team from the mixed relay event after Claire Michel fell ill after participating in the competition. However, Michel later revealed that blood tests indicated she contracted a virus, not E. coli bacteria, considered the primary health risk associated with swimming in the Seine.

Despite investments of approximately $1.5 billion to upgrade Paris's sewer systems for the Olympics, the Seine's water quality remains a concern. Under world triathlon guidelines, E. coli levels up to 1,000 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters are considered "good," allowing competitions to proceed. Nonetheless, water quality in the Seine has fluctuated during the Olympics, affecting certain events.

Paris Olympian Pulls Out of Competition Amid Water Quality Concerns

In addition to the triathlon, test swims ahead of the triathlon competition were canceled due to elevated bacteria levels. Moreover, the men's triathlon was delayed by a day for the same reason. Belgium's Jolien Vermeylen reported feeling debris in the water during her 1500-meter swim in the Seine at the start of the women's triathlon.

Johansson's withdrawal adds to the growing list of athletes expressing concerns about the water quality in Paris. Florian Wellbrock of Germany, who participated in the men's 10-kilometer open water event, shared his own unease about swimming in the Seine. "It's not nice to see how dirty the water is," he said. "I don't know if it's safe to swim in."

The water quality issues in Paris have highlighted the challenges of hosting an Olympic Games in an urban environment. While efforts have been made to improve the Seine's water quality, the volume of boat traffic and ongoing sewage discharge pose significant challenges.

Johansson's withdrawal serves as a reminder that athlete safety remains a paramount concern in the Olympic Games. Athletes representing their nations should not face undue health risks in pursuit of Olympic glory. As the Seine River continues to face water quality challenges, it is crucial for organizers to prioritize athlete safety and ensure that the waters are safe for competition.

Johansson's decision to withdraw from the competition is a testament to his commitment to his health and well-being. While it is disappointing for him not to participate in the Paris Olympics, it is ultimately the correct decision under the circumstances. Athletes should not have to compromise their health in pursuit of their dreams.