In a surprising turn of events, the Belgium Olympic team has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the mixed relay triathlon event at the Paris Olympics 2024. The move comes after one of its athletes, Claire Michel, fell ill following her swim in the Seine, raising concerns about the water quality.

While it has not been confirmed that the polluted Seine water is the exact cause of Claire Michel's illness, it has raised alarms about the condition of the river. The Seine, like many other urban rivers, has had a notorious reputation as a "poop river." Most city sewage systems have a mechanism that discharges sewage directly into the waterways during heavy rain, preventing backups into homes. Consequently, the Seine has been off-limits for swimming for nearly a century.

However, in the lead-up to the Olympics, the Seine underwent extensive renovations, costing around $1.5 billion, with the aim of making it safe for swimming. These renovations included upgrading the sewage system and constructing a basin to manage rainwater. Despite these efforts, heavy rainfall can still lead to a significant decline in water quality.

The issue at hand is not simply about the water being "swimmable" or "safe enough," but rather the presence of the E. coli bacteria, which poses health risks. According to World Triathlon standards, water with up to 1,000 colony-producing units of E. coli per 100 milliliters is considered "good" quality. Some athletes, such as American triathlete Seth Rider, have taken unique approaches to increase their E. coli threshold. Rider has notably declared that he won't wash his hands after using the bathroom, supported by what he claims is science-backed evidence, albeit with uncertainty regarding medical consensus.

The 1,000 colony-producing units of E. coli threshold raises questions about the precision of its measurement. Are E. coli units manually counted in water samples, or are there software programs designed for this purpose? Furthermore, the consideration of slightly higher E. coli levels begs the question of personal E. coli thresholds. Would swimming in water with 1,001 or 1,100 colony-producing units be significantly riskier?

While it is admirable that efforts have been made to make urban rivers accessible for swimming, the incident in the Seine serves as a reminder of the challenges faced. The desire to transform the Seine into a swimmable river is commendable, yet achieving a balance between water quality and public safety remains a complex task.

As the Olympics continue, it is essential to prioritize the health and well-being of athletes. The withdrawal of the Belgium Olympic team from the mixed relay triathlon event underscores the importance of water quality and the need for continuous testing and improvement measures. Only by addressing these concerns can we aim for excellence in all aspects of the Olympics, including ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants and spectators.