Dutch Olympic champion Sharon van Rauwendal recently took to social media to mock the water quality in the Seine river in Paris. In a post on her Instagram account, she shared a picture of movie character Gollum being interviewed while in the river, with the caption “Nine days before we emerge from the water looking like this.” The post comes just days before the women’s 10km open water marathon swim is scheduled to take place in the Seine.
The Seine river has been plagued by serious water pollution issues, leading to several postponements of events in the past. However, today the river hosted a triathlon competition, with French President Macron declaring that the water was safe to swim in for the first time in 100 years. Despite Macron’s assurances, some athletes and spectators remain skeptical about the water quality.
Before the Olympics, Macron had promised to take a dip in the Seine to show that it was safe, but he never followed through on his pledge. His office later claimed that the president was referring to something else when he made the statement.
The incident has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with the hashtag #PolitePeopleJoking trending. It seems that van Rauwendal’s post has struck a chord with many who are concerned about the environmental impacts of water pollution.
As athletes gear up for the upcoming events in the Seine, the debate over the water quality in the river is likely to continue. It remains to be seen whether Macron will make good on his promise to swim in the Seine, or if he will continue to avoid the controversial topic.
