OS Criticism: "Has Literally Messed Itself Up"

Tilda Månsson finished 23rd in her Olympic Games debut in triathlon. The competition made headlines both through a messy swimming session in the Seine and a bloody cycling session on Paris streets. We'll see if you get sick now, says the Swede, directing criticism at the arrangement.

» Updated:

» Published:

OS Criticism: "Has Literally Messed Itself Up"
Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

Share this article

The 20-year-old was critical already before the summer Olympic Games that the organizer had chosen to place the triathlon's initial swimming stage in the Seine River in Paris.

She had previously fallen ill after competing in dirty water. The water quality of the Seine was not approved for competition on Tuesday, when the men's race was postponed, but on Wednesday, the organizer gave the green light.

You feel that the quality is not that great. It's brown and it smells awful. We'll see if you get sick. Tomorrow or tomorrow evening, you'll feel if you're unwell. It's like fifty-fifty, says Tilda Månsson and is critical of how the entire arrangement is handled.

"Pretty bad"

It's sad, pretty bad if you're going to be honest. You've known that the Olympic Games would be here for several years.

In total, the Paris Olympic Games have invested over 16 billion kronor to make the Seine suitable for swimming. Norwegian Kristian Blummenfelt, gold medalist in the 2021 Olympic Games and 12th place in Wednesday's men's race, is also critical.

When we look back, it's been a little project that has literally gone and messed itself up, he says according to NTB.

Tilda Månsson is also skeptical of the Olympic organizer's measurements of water quality, which were made early in the morning on the day of the competition. It had rained in Paris during the night, which can flush sewage water into the river. In a competition report, it stated that the water quality 60 minutes before the start was, simply put, "good."

Many bloody

After swimming in the flowing water, there was a dramatic cycling event with several crashes resulting in bloodshed. Four people did not complete the race, including Norwegian Lotte Miller, who crashed in a curve. Månsson was also close to crashing on the wet cobblestones.

It was a close call. I've never experienced such a tough bike ride, she says.

Norwegian teammate Solveig Lovseth says that crashes happen, it's tight. Some curves are paved, like a 180-degree turn on Champs-Élysées – others not.

It's risky on slippery roads. I don't know exactly what they could have done. It's like they should have moved the entire arena, says Lovseth.

Månsson finally crossed the finish line as 23rd. Cassandre Beaugrand, France, won.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Kamga Sets Double Swedish Records, Finishes Fourth at World Championship

Kamga Sets Double Swedish Records, Finishes Fourth at World Championship

Kramer Aims for World Championship Success in Tokyo Despite Illness

Kramer Aims for World Championship Success in Tokyo Despite Illness

Armand Duplantis Pursues World Record in Tokyo Pole Vault Final

Armand Duplantis Pursues World Record in Tokyo Pole Vault Final

Mikko Kokkonen Suspended Two Games for Cross-Checking Incident

Mikko Kokkonen Suspended Two Games for Cross-Checking Incident

Duplantis Considered Changing Name to Mondo but Family Intervened

Duplantis Considered Changing Name to Mondo but Family Intervened

Andreas Almgren Aims for World Championship Medal in Tokyo

Andreas Almgren Aims for World Championship Medal in Tokyo

Rebecka Hallerth Narrowly Misses Hammer Throw Final at World Championships

Rebecka Hallerth Narrowly Misses Hammer Throw Final at World Championships

Samuel Pihlström Advances to Semifinals Amid Protest Drama at Tokyo Championship

Samuel Pihlström Advances to Semifinals Amid Protest Drama at Tokyo Championship

Luleå Dominates SHL Opener with Record Goal and Eriksson Hat-Trick

Luleå Dominates SHL Opener with Record Goal and Eriksson Hat-Trick

Swedish Talent Lucas Bergvall Shines with Goal and Assist in Premier League

Swedish Talent Lucas Bergvall Shines with Goal and Assist in Premier League

Norén Leads at PGA Championship as Åberg Slips to Sixth

Norén Leads at PGA Championship as Åberg Slips to Sixth

Nicklas Bäckström Reflects on Brynäs Return Despite 4-7 Loss to Växjö

Nicklas Bäckström Reflects on Brynäs Return Despite 4-7 Loss to Växjö

Gudmundsson's Last-Minute Own Goal Costs Leeds Against Fulham

Gudmundsson's Last-Minute Own Goal Costs Leeds Against Fulham

Örebro Ends 314-Day Winless Streak with Victory Over Östersund

Örebro Ends 314-Day Winless Streak with Victory Over Östersund

Djurgården's Quick Goals Secure SHL Comeback Win Over Skellefteå

Djurgården's Quick Goals Secure SHL Comeback Win Over Skellefteå

New Frölunda Coach Robert Ohlsson Wins Debut Against Linköping 2-1

New Frölunda Coach Robert Ohlsson Wins Debut Against Linköping 2-1

Nicklas Bäckström's Disappointing SHL Return: Brynäs Falls to Växjö

Nicklas Bäckström's Disappointing SHL Return: Brynäs Falls to Växjö

Mjällby Extends Lead Over Hammarby in Allsvenskan Title Race

Mjällby Extends Lead Over Hammarby in Allsvenskan Title Race

Cycling Drama at Vuelta as Protesters Disrupt Mountain Stage

Cycling Drama at Vuelta as Protesters Disrupt Mountain Stage

Hammarby's Smilla Holmberg Shines in 3-0 Victory Over Linköping

Hammarby's Smilla Holmberg Shines in 3-0 Victory Over Linköping