Living on the Edge: Triathlete Schulz Holds His Breath for Parisian Plunge
Martin Schulz, the ace triathlete and German Paralympics flag bearer, keeps his gaze skyward, with Paris's forecast looming large. The River Seine may dictate if his race can unfold in the heart of the city, with rain forecast giving cause for concern about water cleanliness.
Water quality has been a contentious issue at recent events, particularly when rainfall muddies the waters. Despite a hefty 1.4 billion euro investment in sewage treatment facilities, doubts remain about Paris's water suitability for swimming.
"Sure, it's not the clearest water," Schulz shared with German Press Agency. "But I, personally, am not overly sensitive to it, and I bet my fellow competitors share the sentiment. They'd probably rather swim in the Seine before we resort to a duathlon."
An alternative venue isn't available, and the races can only be postponed to September 2nd or 3rd. The decision will be made based on the weather forecast and water quality tests conducted close to race time.
Schulz, who was born without his left forearm, prefers to downplay these factors. However, the two-time gold medalist acknowledges the river current as an added challenge. He warned that many para-athletes might struggle with swimming upstream.
Stormy Weather Ahead
As floods hit the Champs-Élysées, Schulz remains unfazed. "With my race ahead, it might give the strong swimmers an advantage," he said. "But I don't see it as a major concern."
The Paris Games have already left a deep impression on the 34-year-old. Standing alongside wheelchair basketball player Edina Müller at the opening ceremony, he experienced a moment he'll never forget.
"Walking down the Champs-Élysées, tears welled up in my eyes. I was filled with emotion on the Place de la Concorde," he shared.
His team praised the decision to choose him and Müller as flag bearers. "They make for an impressive pair," Paralympic table tennis player Valentin Baus said. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for an athlete."
Swimming the Seine
Schulz aims to make a fourth consecutive Games appearance, and he hopes to defend his title. "The course couldn't be more spectacular - right in the city center with the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées," he said. "There will be countless spectators lining the route, which fires up the competitive spirit."
He expressed hope that "no one faces any disadvantages," referring to the potential impact of the Seine's water quality. Despite concerns over heavy rainfall and its effects on the river's clarity, Martin Schulz remains optimistic about the triathlon races in Paris.
While the Seine has made noticeable strides in water quality improvement, challenges persist, particularly during heavy rain events, which may introduce high levels of contaminants. Continuous monitoring and safety measures will be crucial to ensure the water is safe for athletes.
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