Triathlete Seth Rider's Bold E. Coli Experiment: Swimming with Risks in Paris

American triathlete Seth Rider is taking an unconventional approach to preparing for the upcoming triathlon events in Paris, particularly the swimming leg set to take place in the notoriously polluted Seine River. With E. coli levels in the river raising concerns, Rider has embraced a method that might raise eyebrows: he believes in increasing his exposure to E. coli to build up his resistance. "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," he explained. This includes not washing his hands after using the bathroom—a practice that many would consider risky. However, Rider claims that his methods are science-backed, suggesting that such exposure could strengthen his immune response when he competes. This approach comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Seine's water quality. Recent tests conducted by the Paris mayor's office indicated E. coli levels near 900 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters, teetering on the edge of the safe limit established by the World Triathlon Federation. The possibility of rainfall during the opening ceremony on Friday has further compounded concerns, with organizers warning that increased rainfall could lead to additional contaminants entering the river, potentially resulting in the cancellation of Sunday’s swimming training session. Olympic officials are keeping their fingers crossed, expressing confidence that the water quality will improve in time for the official races starting Tuesday. They anticipate that conditions will stabilize within the next 24 to 36 hours, allowing for the safe execution of events. Fellow American triathlete Taylor Spivey shared her hopes for a full race experience, expressing her dedication to the sport. "Hopefully we get a swim, bike, and run, because I don't swim this much to just run and bike," she said. As part of her own strategy, Spivey has ramped up her probiotic intake, aiming to bolster her gut health in anticipation of potential waterborne illnesses. Like Rider, she acknowledges the risks but emphasizes the importance of competing. The Paris organizers are looking to the weather for a solution. With hopes for sunshine and warmth, they believe that these conditions could help mitigate the bacterial levels in the water. The city has invested heavily—around $1.5 billion—in infrastructure improvements, including water tanks and an underground network designed to prevent sewage from contaminating the Seine during rainstorms. Both Rider and Spivey are aware of the health risks posed by the river, which can harbor E. coli and enterococci, leading to a range of illnesses from diarrhea to serious infections. However, Rider has some confidence from his previous experience in Paris. He participated in a test event last summer and noted, "I don't think anyone got sick after the race." As the athletes prepare to take the plunge into the Seine, the balance between embracing the thrill of competition and ensuring their health remains a delicate one. For now, they are left to navigate the murky waters both literally and figuratively, hoping for the best as they gear up for what promises to be an unforgettable Olympic experience.