PARIS — German swimmer Leonie Beck became ill after competing in the women’s open water race at the Paris Olympics, despite assurances that the water in the Seine River was safe. Beck, who finished ninth in the 10-kilomer event, on Saturday posted on Instagram a picture of herself giving a thumbs up but looking ill. … Read more
PARIS — A bridge lined with ornate statues overlooks an Olympic open water course like no other. The Eiffel Tower, gold-domed Invalides and other Paris landmarks provide a stunning backdrop. Yet there was no getting around concerns about the safety of swimming in the long-polluted Seine River, not to mention contending with its strong current. … Read more
PARIS — At the Paris Olympics, whether the water quality in the Seine River is safe enough to host some swimming events has been a major question. Bacteria levels in the river fluctuate constantly, and daily water samples are tested so organizers can assess the risk and determine whether swims in the long-polluted Paris waterway … Read more
PARIS — On a morning that started with rain, the Olympic triathlons got underway Wednesday as the women dove into the Seine River to start the swim after days of delays and uncertainty over water quality concerns. The athletes began near the Pont Alexandre III, a bridge that spans the famed Paris waterway. The steady … Read more
Swimming has been off-limits in the long-polluted Seine River in Paris for more than a century. So with Olympic swimming events on tap for the river, the city poured in $1.5 billion (1.4 billion euros) to try to clean it up. With the Paris Games underway, officials are keeping a close eye on water quality. … Read more
PARIS — After months of anticipation, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo is set to swim in the Seine River later on Wednesday, fulfilling a promise she made in January nine days before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics. The swim will occur along the stretch of the river that passes by the imposing-looking City Hall … Read more
MORIGAON, India — A blue tarp covered a mother and her newborn daughter from the incessant rain on their boat journey. Jahanara Khatoon, 25, had just given birth on the boat on their way to a healthcare center, surrounded by the raging floodwaters of the Brahmaputra River. “I am very happy,” said her husband, Kamaluddin, … Read more
TUFTONBORO, N.H. — With summer about to start, many people flocking to their favorite swimming holes may also want to read up on bacteria warnings. During the busy Memorial Day weekend and shortly afterward, at least 20 people, most of them children, reported E. coli infections after they swam in Lake Anna, a popular recreational … Read more
PARIS — French officials inaugurated on Thursday a huge water storage basin meant to help clean up the River Seine, set to be the venue for marathon swimming at the Paris Games and the swimming leg of the Olympic and Paralympic triathlons. Sports minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra praised Paris’ ability “to provide athletes from all over … Read more
PARIS — Skies over the Paris region will be closed for six hours as part of the massive security operation for the July 26 opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, the Paris airports operator said Wednesday. Augustin de Romanet, chairman of Aéroports de Paris, said airlines are being warned in advance about the closure and … Read more
