Olympic Games: Beck calls preparation for open water race chaotic

Medal candidate Leonie Beck finds the discussion about hosting the Olympic open water competitions in Paris chaotic. “We’re obviously trying not to drive ourselves crazy and say we’re assuming that the race will take place on August 8th,” the world champion told the RTL/ntv television station about the 10 kilometers. “On the other hand, you think, these aren’t district championships, these are the Olympic Games! You want to know when you’re starting and where you’re starting. That means that in terms of organization, it’s very, very difficult and also a bit unreasonable for us, the athletes.”

Postponements are being discussed

Because of the water quality in the Seine and the possibility of a current that is too strong, the organisation is considering how the competitions can take place. “You can say on August 8th that if the water is not good enough, then it will take place on August 9th. On August 9th you can tell us that it will take place on August 10th and if it still doesn’t work then it will take place on August 11th on the rowing regatta course.”

“And then there are three variations: either women and men together at 9:30 a.m., or women in the morning, men in the afternoon, or both together in the afternoon,” Beck reported about the plan B she had. None of this would contribute to optimal preparation. “So we’re just hoping that the water quality is good and that we can swim in the Seine.”

Billions invested in water quality

In order to improve the water quality in the river with a view to the Games and also in the long term, around 1.4 billion euros have been invested in sewage treatment plants and the sewage system in the greater Paris area. This includes a retention basin that has only recently been put into operation. This can prevent the discharge of sewage into the Seine in the event of heavy rain, which has previously been the case in such weather conditions.