Swimmers at the Paris Olympics have been experiencing slower pool speeds, causing concern among athletes. The pool at Paris La Defense Arena is shallower than recommended by World Aquatics, leading to waves bouncing off the bottom during races and creating a “wavy” effect in the water.
This issue has impacted the times of swimmers, with some athletes having to modify their dives off the blocks. Despite the slower speeds, swimmers are focused on their placement in the races rather than setting records. U.S. women’s freestyle swimmer Paige Madden emphasized that at the Olympics, it’s all about winning medals, even if the times may not be as fast as in previous Games.
While some swimmers, like U.S. veteran Nic Fink, have still managed to perform well and secure medals, others, such as U.S. legend Katie Ledecky, have struggled to reach their personal best times. The competition remains fierce, with athletes from around the world vying for the top spots on the podium.
As the Paris Olympics continue, swimmers are determined to give their best performances despite the challenges posed by the pool conditions. While world records may be harder to break in Paris, the focus remains on the thrill of competition and the pursuit of Olympic glory.