The doubts about water, the controversies of Paris 2024: today Paltrinieri and Taddeucci return to the Seine.

The Italian swimmers Gregorio Paltrinieri and Ginevra Taddeucci will compete in the 10-kilometer open water races at the European Championships in Paris on August 3, 2026. This marks their return to the Seine River two years after the Olympic Games, where both athletes had previously competed. The event, held in the heart of Paris, has sparked controversy over the quality of the river’s waters, with concerns raised by the athletes themselves and experts in aquatic sports. Paltrinieri and Taddeucci have expressed doubts about the conditions of the Seine ahead of the competition. Paltrinieri described the water as “putrid” and emphasized that many athletes feel uneasy about the situation. He called for greater transparency regarding the safety checks conducted before the races, citing similar concerns raised by specialists in open water swimming following the World Cup stop in Setúbal. These experts urged World Aquatics to improve communication about the results of water quality tests and ensure more rigorous standards for future competitions. Taddeucci echoed these sentiments, recalling her experience during the 2024 Olympics. She mentioned feeling a strong current in certain parts of the course, which made her fear being pulled under. “There was something pulling me in,” she explained, highlighting how the memory of that race continues to weigh heavily on her as she prepares to compete again in the same river. Despite assurances from organizers and the selection of a new section of the Seine for this year’s event, located near the Île aux Cygnes in the 15th arrondissement, the issue of water quality remains central to the buildup to the races. For the 2024 Olympics, the race route was set along the banks of the Seine near the Pont Alexandre III, stretching from the Grand Palais to Les Invalides. This year, however, the course has been moved further downstream, closer to the Pont de Grenelle. The area has recently reopened to public bathing, raising hopes that improved water conditions might allow for safer and more enjoyable racing conditions. The starting point for the 10-kilometer race will be at the Pont de Grenelle, a location notable for housing a smaller version of the Statue of Liberty, originally built in 1870 and distinct from its larger counterpart in New York. The decision to relocate the race route comes amid ongoing discussions about the health and safety of competitors. While officials have assured that the new course meets necessary criteria, the athletes’ concerns reflect broader anxieties within the sport about environmental factors affecting performance and well-being. With the event drawing international attention, the outcome of these debates could influence future planning for major aquatic events in urban settings. As the day of the races approaches, the focus remains on ensuring that the Seine provides a safe environment for the athletes. The challenge lies not only in meeting technical requirements but also in addressing the psychological comfort of competitors who have already faced scrutiny over the river's condition. Whether the changes will alleviate these concerns remains to be seen, but the event itself promises to be a pivotal moment for both the athletes and the city of Paris.