Olympic swimmers drink Coca-Cola after competing in the Seine River, hoping it will help them combat bacteria from the polluted water.
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, swimmers faced unexpected challenges due to the condition of the Seine River.
After competing in this historic river, many athletes turned to an unusual remedy: Coca-Cola.
This decision raised eyebrows and sparked conversations about the safety of swimming in polluted waters.
The Seine River, known for its beauty and significance, has had issues with pollution in recent years.
Despite efforts to clean the river, heavy rains before the Olympics caused a surge in waste and bacteria levels.
This situation made the river unsafe for swimmers, as they could be exposed to harmful substances while competing.
Olympic swimmers drink Coca-Cola to fight bacteria from the Seine River
Reports indicate that several top swimmers and triathletes believe the sugary soda has helped them avoid infections and illnesses.
This was especially true after competing in the polluted river.
“There’s no harm in drinking a Coke after a race,” said New Zealand triathlete Ainsley Thorpe. “If you Google it, it says it can help.”
Medical experts have questioned whether Coca-Cola can truly be a cure for stomach issues.
However, many athletes are still following the advice of their coaches and trainers in Paris.
“The myth of Coca-Cola is true,” said Australian marathon swimmer Moesha Johnson.
“We will often have a Coca-Cola afterward just to try to flush out anything inside of us.”
The athletes also drink Yakult as protective health method after swimming in the Seine River
In addition to Coca-Cola, some athletes have also been taking probiotic supplements before and after their events in the Seine River.
“I took pro-biotics, I drank my Yakult, I couldn’t do more,” said Belgian triathlete Jolien Vermeylen after her race on July 31st.
“I had the idea of not drinking water, but yes, it failed.”
Grimes, an 18-year-old from Las Vegas, has already won a silver medal in the Women’s 400m Individual Medley.
She will compete in the Women’s 10km Marathon Swim on Thursday.
In a video posted by USA Swimming last year, she was seen holding a bottle of Coke after qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
What did health experts comment on the drinking of Coca to combat bacteria?
The Seine River has high levels of E. coli and other harmful bacteria.
This situation has forced organizers to test the water quality often and change the competition schedule at the last minute.
Dr. Maria Abreu, the president of the American Gastroenterological Association, acknowledged that Coca-Cola likely wouldn’t have a significant effect on an athlete’s digestive system.
“These are young, athletic people, right? They’re going to be healthy people whose stomach acid is going to be nice and robust,” she said.
However, some athletes are treating soda as a way to replenish the sugar and energy lost during their grueling competitions.
“My coach advised me to [drink Coca-Cola] to restore those glycogen levels immediately,” said American swimmer Katie Grimes.
“Not Diet Coke, just straight-up Coke. Nothing does it better than that.”