France’s Cassandre Beaugrand claimed victory in the Olympic women’s triathlon on Wednesday, marking a successful and much-awaited event for the organisers.
Prior to the competition, concerns about the water quality of the River Seine had caused disruptions and uncertainty.
Training sessions in the river were canceled earlier in the week, and the men’s race was postponed after the river was deemed too polluted for athletes due to recent rainstorms.
Despite heavy rain overnight, which could potentially worsen pollution levels, organisers announced on Wednesday that the water quality was deemed suitable for both the women’s event and the subsequent men’s event.
The women participants started their race in the Seine at the iconic Alexandre III bridge in the heart of Paris, followed by a cycling stage and a running stage, with enthusiastic crowds lining the route.
Beaugrand, a 27-year-old from the suburbs of Paris, surged ahead in the final lap of the running stage to secure the victory and express her joy on crossing the finish line.
Switzerland’s Julie Perron took the silver medal, while Britain’s Beth Potter claimed the bronze.
Meanwhile, French swimmer Leon Marchand is aiming for more Olympic success in the pool, competing in the 200m butterfly and 200m breaststroke finals after winning the men’s 400m individual medley earlier in the Games.
