Olympic Swimmers Take Dip in Improved Seine for Training

Olympic open water swimmers trained in the Seine River, which has been long-polluted, as Paris organizers deemed it safe. Despite concerns over bacterial levels, swimmers like former Olympic champion Sharon van Rouwendaal prepared for the upcoming marathon events. Extensive infrastructure improvements have been made to ensure water safety.

Olympic open water swimmers took a dive in the historically polluted Seine River on Wednesday, as Paris organizers gave the green light, declaring it safe for training.

Swimmers, including 2016 Olympic champion Sharon van Rouwendaal and Ireland's Daniel Wiffen, got a rare opportunity to acclimate to the scenic course, just one day before the women's 10-kilometer marathon event.

Austrian swimmer Felix Auboeck expressed a mix of concern and excitement about the water quality and the challenging current, emphasizing the unique setting with iconic Paris landmarks as a backdrop.

(With inputs from agencies.)