With only three weeks remaining until the start of the highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympic Games, open water swimmers are facing a significant obstacle that threatens to derail their events. The polluted condition of the River Seine, which has barred swimming for a century due to its unacceptable levels of pollution, presents a challenge for athletes and organizers alike.

As the sports and tourism officials make the final preparations to ensure the city is ready to welcome an estimated three million spectators, athletes have been relentlessly training to ensure their peak performance at the Olympics. However, a select group of Olympians, including the US's Mariah Denigan, are grappling with the polluted state of the River Seine.

The River Seine, considered the "landscape centerpiece of Paris," has long been plagued by high pollution levels composed mainly of sewage and street runoff. The city's drainage system, like many historic cities, is susceptible to overflow during wet weather, further exacerbating the pollution issue. The safety of hosting water events in the river depends on the weather conditions, which leaves the fate of some events hanging in the balance.

According to water expert Professor Ian Wright from the University of Western Sydney, planning multiple Olympic events around the Seine is a "bold" move. He expressed concerns about the absence of backup plans if the waterway is deemed unsafe for use. The triathlon event, for example, may be delayed and even modified to exclude the swimming leg if the conditions remain hazardous.

Despite efforts to improve the infrastructure around the river and additional measures taken this week, the feasibility of the river-based events is still uncertain. Factors such as heavy rain can compromise the sewage system, leading to potential health hazards for athletes, tourists, and media present at the games.

Professor Wright reiterated that sewage and faecal matter are the main concerns but highlighted that the river contains a mixture of other pollutants. The risk of various health issues arising from swimming in such contaminated water is a significant concern.

As the countdown to the 2024 Paris Olympics continues, the fate of the open water swimming events hangs in the balance. As athletes and organizers await the decision of the weather gods, the hope remains that the necessary precautions and favorable weather conditions will allow the River Seine to become a safe and suitable venue for the Olympic swimming competitions.