A Swedish swimmer scheduled to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic marathon on the Seine River has withdrawn due to concerns about water quality. According to Fox Sports, Swedish national swimming team member Victor Johansson announced on the 9th (Korean time) that he would not participate in the men’s 10km marathon swimming event scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM that day.
Johansson cited the water quality of the Seine as the reason for his withdrawal. In an interview with local media, Johansson explained, “I withdrew because I felt sick after swimming in the Seine.”
The controversy over the water quality of the Seine River has been ongoing since the organizing committee decided to use the Seine River as the venue for some swimming events. The French government has invested over 2 trillion won to improve water quality, but the controversy has not subsided.
Athletes competing in the games have expressed concerns about the water quality, with some reporting feeling unwell after swimming in the Seine. While a direct link between the water quality and the athletes’ illnesses has not been established, the correlation has raised concerns.
French authorities plan to open the Seine River to the public for swimming after the Olympics.
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2024-08-09 06:20:52