- Kristof Rasovszky of Hungary wins the men’s 10-kilometer marathon swim at Paris 2024.
- The event took place in the Seine River, a symbol of the successful cleanup efforts in Paris.
- Concerns over water quality proved unfounded, with no reported illnesses among athletes.
Kristof Rasovszky of Hungary claimed victory in the men’s 10-kilometer marathon swim at the Paris 2024 Olympics, held in the iconic Seine River.
Despite initial concerns about the Seine’s water quality, the event proceeded without any health issues for the athletes, demonstrating the success of Paris’ environmental efforts.
Hungary’s Rasovszky Triumphs in Seine River Marathon at Paris 2024
Hungary’s Kristof Rasovszky emerged victorious in the men’s 10-kilometer marathon swim, concluding the swimming events at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the Seine River. Rasovszky, who had previously secured a silver medal in Tokyo, finally captured gold after leading much of the race and fending off Germany’s Oliver Klemet in a thrilling sprint to the finish.
The marathon swim took place in the Seine River, which had undergone extensive cleaning efforts to meet Olympic standards. Concerns about the river’s water quality were high, particularly after recent reports of unsafe bacteria levels. However, favorable weather conditions in the days leading up to the event allowed for safe competition, with no illnesses reported among participants.
David Betlehem, also from Hungary, earned a bronze medal, making it a double podium finish for Hungary in the event. This success can be attributed to the athletes’ rigorous training in the Danube River, which helped them adapt to the Seine’s strong currents. Rasovszky’s win is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to Hungary’s dominance in open water swimming.
The Seine marathon swim, with its backdrop of iconic Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Pont Alexander III, created a memorable experience for both athletes and spectators. The successful execution of the event in the Seine underscores Paris’ commitment to environmental restoration and sets a positive precedent for future competitions in the river.
The successful completion of the Seine River marathon swim at Paris 2024 highlights both the resilience of the athletes and the effectiveness of Paris’ environmental initiatives, setting the stage for future events in this historic waterway.
“I wasn’t worried about it,” Rasovszky said, smiling. “One of the Hungarian triathletes said after his race that he drank a lot from the Seine, so it’s going to be much more cleaner for open water. So he did a really good job.”
