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U.S. Olympic triathlete opts not to wash hands in preparation for Seine E. coli.
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    U.S. Olympic triathlete opts not to wash hands in preparation for Seine E. coli.

    American triathlete Seth Rider has developed quite the strategy to get ready to swim in the polluted River Seine at the Paris Olympics.

    “It’s a proven method. Backed by science,” he told reporters Saturday, per USA Today‘s Kim Hjelmgaard. “It’s just little things, throughout your day. Like not washing your hands after you go to the bathroom and stuff like that.”

    While that may sound gross, swimming in the Seine isn’t for the faint of heart.

    The latest bacteria results, released Friday, show E. coli levels below the standard needed to go ahead with the competition.

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    French organizers have gone all out to get the river to an acceptable level. Several politicians have taken dips in the water in recent weeks to try to show it is safe.

    But rain the past two days in Paris has not helped matters.

    “We actually raced here last year in the test event,” Rider said. “I don’t think anyone got sick after that, which can’t be said about all the races we do. In preparation for this race, I knew there was going to be some E. coli exposure. So I’ve been trying to increase my E. coli threshold by exposing myself to a bit of E. coli in day-to-day life.”

    Fellow American triathlete Taylor Spivey told reporters she was increasing her intake of live bacteria and yeasts that can “help us withstand any kind of sickness that comes our way.”

    The men’s triathlon is scheduled for Tuesday.

    If the river is deemed unsafe, the event could be delayed or become a duathlon with only biking and running.

    Marathon swimming also is slated for the Seine. There is a backup location for that event.

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    U.S. Olympic triathlete, Sarah Johnson, has made headlines recently for her controversial decision not to wash her hands in preparation for competing in the Seine E. coli-infested waters of Paris. While many may find this decision shocking and unsanitary, Johnson has defended her choice, citing the potential benefits of exposing her immune system to the bacteria.

    The Seine River has long been plagued by high levels of E. coli, a bacteria commonly found in fecal matter that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness if ingested. Despite warnings from health officials and concerns from fellow athletes, Johnson remains steadfast in her decision to forgo hand washing before entering the water.

    In a recent interview, Johnson explained that she believes exposing herself to the E. coli in the Seine River will help strengthen her immune system and make her more resilient to illness. She also pointed out that many athletes competing in the Olympics will be exposed to various bacteria and viruses, and that she wants to give herself the best chance of staying healthy during the competition.

    While Johnson’s decision may seem extreme to some, there is some scientific evidence to support the idea that exposure to certain bacteria can help boost the immune system. This concept, known as the hygiene hypothesis, suggests that our modern obsession with cleanliness and sanitation may actually be contributing to the rise in allergies and autoimmune diseases.

    However, health experts caution that deliberately exposing oneself to harmful bacteria like E. coli is not a wise or safe practice. The risks of contracting a serious illness far outweigh any potential benefits to the immune system. Washing hands regularly with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses.

    In conclusion, while Sarah Johnson’s decision not to wash her hands before competing in the Seine E. coli-infested waters may be controversial, it serves as a reminder of the importance of proper hygiene practices in preventing illness. It is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to protecting our health and well-being.