• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

The Paris Olympics $1.5 Billion Seine Cleanup Yields Mixed Results

  • Open-water swimming events at the Olympics concluded Friday.
  • No competitions were canceled despite questions about water quality.
Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Sports

The final open-water swimming competition of the Paris Olympics concluded Friday, bringing an end to a tumultuous, dramatic, and expensive saga.

The city of Paris spent $1.5 billion to clean up the Seine river, which ultimately hosted five events during the Games despite questions about water quality and its safety for swimming. But that exorbitant expense wasn’t enough to quell disruptions.

Pollution in the Seine, particularly E. coli levels, has fluctuated throughout the Olympics, in large part due to heavy rainfall before and during the Games. And while no competitions were canceled, several practice sessions were called off, and the men’s triathlon was delayed one day.

Mixed Results

Hungary’s Kristóf Rasovszky won the gold medal in the men’s 10-kilometer marathon swimming event that took place in the iconic river Friday after Dutch swimmer Sharon van Rouwendaal won the women’s event Thursday. Ahead of the men’s competition, Sweden’s Victor Johansson dropped out, claiming the Seine’s river quality had made him sick.

On Monday, Germany won gold in the triathlon mixed relay after Belgium pulled out of the competition because one of its team members got sick. At the time, it was believed Claire Michel fell ill from swimming in the Seine during the women’s triathlon, but it was later determined to be a virus.

Last week, Great Britain’s Alex Yee won the men’s triathlon, but only after the event was pushed back one day to July 31 because of poor water quality when the Seine was tested the day before. France’s Cassandre Beaugrand won the women’s triathlon, which went ahead as scheduled July 31.

Swimming in L.A.

In 2028, open-water swimming at the Los Angeles Olympics is set to take place at Long Beach. The venue will span 11 miles of waterways connected to more than 5 miles of sandy beaches.

The most recent budget projections for the entire Los Angeles Games have come in around $7 billion, compared to potentially $10 billion for the Paris Olympics, once the final numbers come in.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Steve Pagliuca

Boston Group Has Deal to Buy Sun For WNBA-Record $325 Million

The league office cautioned that any Boston move was subject to approval.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Leo Messi
exclusive

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Defends Messi Suspension

Messi was punished for skipping the MLS All-Star Game.

Commanders Seal Stadium Deal As D.C. Approves $1.1B in Funding

The NFL team’s return to its prior home receives key political support.

Featured Today

Las Vegas sign

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.

Browns Push Forward on $2.4B Stadium Despite Political Obstacles

The NFL team plans a stadium groundbreaking, despite funding and legal issues.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
July 28, 2025

Chicago Sky Sell Out United Center With Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Out

The Sky announced 19,601 fans attended the game at the United Center.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field.
July 29, 2025

$3.8B Commanders Stadium On Track for D.C. Approval

D.C. continues two days of public hearings on a proposed Commanders stadium.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 25, 2025

Prospective Rays Owner Must Start Fresh As $1.3B Stadium Deal Ends

St. Petersburg, Fla., officials formally terminate a prior ballpark agreement.
July 25, 2025

Eagles Turn to Their Fans As They Consider Future Stadium Plans

The defending Super Bowl champions are surveying season-ticket holders.
Jul 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox fans cheer after a home run by Boston Red Sox designated hitter Wilyer Abreu (52) during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Fenway Park.
July 25, 2025

Fenway Concession Workers Go on Strike for Dodgers Series

They’re asking fans not to buy food and drink at the games.
July 24, 2025

Commanders Restructure $3.8B Stadium Pact Ahead of Council Vote

A D.C. Council vote on the proposed stadium is now set for Aug. 1.