For Triathlon athletes, there is much preparation that goes into training ahead of the Olympics, as they have to be fit enough to complete a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40K bike race, and 10K run. Then when taking into account in particular the 2024 Games in Paris, the athletes had something else on their mind, which was swimming in the Seine River, the setting for the women's/men's Olympic triathlon event.
That is to say, for U.S. triathlete Seth Rider he adapted an unconventional way to prepare for this year's Olympics, insisting that by not washing his hands after using the bathroom, this helped him get better acclimated to the conditions he will be facing while swimming in the Seine.
"We know that there's going to be some E. coli exposure, so I just try to increase my E. coli threshold by exposing myself to a bit of E. coli in your day-to-day life," the 27-year-old told the Athletic.
Ryder might be onto something, as if you are going to swim in dirty water, might as well be dirty yourself.
"And it's actually backed by science," he claimed. "Proven methods. Just little things throughout your day, like not washing your hands after you go to the bathroom."
Let's just hope he hasn't been shaking too many people's hands recently.
The other triathletes lining up next to Seth Rider pic.twitter.com/fSU28vocYa https://t.co/J9FpujJNez
— James (@ArthurlieKillie) July 30, 2024
When considering just how dirty the river Seine is, Paris actually spent about $1.5 billion to clean up the water. Nevertheless, the events still actually had to be postponed because the water tests results leading up to the Olympics found more than 10 times the amount of E. coli that the World Triathlon Federation allows in outdoor bodies of water (900 units of E coli per 100 milliliters).
This might explain why for over a century it was illegal to swim in the Seine river, for the sewage system lets out wastewater whenever rainwater levels get too high.
Ultimately, the race didn't result in a medal for the U.S. athlete, as Rider came in 29th place, but the only good thing is that he can take a shower now.
Seth Rider raced in the men’s triathlon today finishing 29th. This is Seth’s first time competing at The Olympic Games.
Mixed Team Relays are scheduled for August 5. #RoyalsRise | #QUeenCity | #OlympiansMadeHere pic.twitter.com/QXQ43Pjkpz
— Queens (N.C.) Athletics (@QueensAthletics) July 31, 2024
