Swimmers in Seine River

As Olympic swimmers prepare for the Paris 2024 Games, many are resorting to an unusual remedy—drinking Coca-Cola—to combat potential illnesses from the heavily polluted Seine River, where swimming has been banned for a century due to health concerns. Athletes believe the soda's acidity may help mitigate bacterial infections, despite medical professionals, including Dr. Maria Abreu, stating there’s no scientific evidence supporting this claim. The Seine's water quality issues persist even after a $1.5 billion investment in infrastructure improvements, leading to incidents where athletes have fallen ill after swimming. Recent protests have exacerbated the river's pollution, raising E. coli levels and prompting caution among competitors. While the approach of consuming Coke lacks medical backing, many swimmers express confidence in it as a psychological comfort during these challenging conditions. The situation remains precarious as preparations continue, with recent events being postponed due to water quality concerns.