Swimmers Turn to Coca Cola to Combat Infections in Seine River scaled
- Olympic swimmers in the Seine River are turning to Coca-Cola to fend off infection from bacteria in the water
- Swimmers swear by drinking Coke after races to help flush out anything inside of them
- Some experts, like Dr. Maria Abreu, disagree with the theory that Coca-Cola can kill off bacteria in the gut
- Water quality in the Seine River has been a concern due to pollution and bacteria
- Some swimmers are taking extra precautions to avoid illness, including not training in the Seine
- Belgium’s Olympic committee withdrew from an event after a swimmer became ill and was infected with E. coli
Athletes competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics have found an unconventional solution to combat the bacteria-infested waters of the Seine River – Coca-Cola. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, top swimmers have turned to the popular beverage to help fend off any potential infections from the polluted river.
New Zealand triathlete Ainsley Thorp shared, “There’s no harm in drinking a Coke after a race. If you Google it, it says it can help.” Similarly, Moesha Johnson from Team Australia attested to the effectiveness of Coca-Cola, stating, “The myth of Coca-Cola is true. We will often have a Coca-Cola afterward just to try to flush out anything inside of us.”
Despite the endorsement from elite athletes, Dr. Maria Abreu, the president of the American Gastroenterological Association, expressed skepticism about Coca-Cola’s ability to combat bacteria in the gut. She explained that since the stomach is naturally more acidic than Coke, the beverage may not effectively kill off additional bacteria.
The water quality in the Seine River has long been a concern in Paris due to its pollution and high levels of E. coli. While World Aquatics has ensured that the water meets acceptable guidelines for illness-causing bacteria, swimmers are taking extra precautions to avoid any potential health risks.
Bronze medalist Daniel Wiffen of Ireland, who won gold in the 800 free, admitted that he avoids training in the Seine to prevent illness. He prefers to compete in pools rather than risk exposure to the contaminated river. Other athletes, like Austria’s Felix Aubeck, shared similar concerns about competing in the Seine, emphasizing the importance of trust in the organizers to ensure safety.
The issue of water quality in the Seine River became more apparent when Belgium’s Olympic committee (COIB) decided to withdraw from the mixed relay triathlon event after athlete Claire Michel fell ill. Reports indicated that Michel had contracted E. coli after swimming in the polluted river, highlighting the potential risks associated with competing in contaminated waters.
Overall, the use of Coca-Cola as a preventive measure against waterborne infections in the Seine River underscores the challenges faced by athletes in navigating the environmental hazards of outdoor competitions. As the Paris 2024 Olympics continue, athletes must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health and well-being amidst the unique challenges posed by the city’s polluted waterways.
/Digital Sauce
