The women’s triathlon at the 2024 Paris Olympics became challenging as competitors faced adverse weather conditions that led to multiple crashes during the cycling segment. The wet cobblestone streets of Paris proved difficult for athletes to navigate, leading to several accidents that affected the race’s outcome.
Guam’s Manami Iijima was among the first athletes to fall as her bike slipped on a turn. The crash was severe enough to cause concern among broadcasters covering the live event. “Uh oh, that’s not a good one on the cobbles,” remarked one commentator as they noted the treacherous corner where several competitors had already crashed, including Norwegian athlete Lotte Miller.
Miller had two crashes during the race and eventually withdrew after receiving medical treatment. Australian triathlete Sophie Linn commented on the challenging conditions, noting that they faced various adverse weather conditions, including strong currents, rain, heat, and humidity, along with the crowd. Despite these challenges, Linn finished in 21st place with a time of one hour, 58 minutes, and 52 seconds.
France’s Cassandre Beaugrand claimed the gold medal, while Switzerland’s Julie Derron secured silver. Great Britain’s Beth Potter finished with a bronze medal, showcasing her ability to navigate the challenging course.
The event was initially postponed due to concerns about water pollution in the Seine River, which was used for the swimming segment of the triathlon. Paris had invested $1.4 billion to clean the river, but heavy rains before the event had impacted pollution levels. Despite the delay, the race eventually proceeded, though athletes faced a strong current during the swim.
A series of accidents occurred throughout the cycling leg, with competitors such as Brazil’s Vittoria Lopes, Germany’s Lisa Tertsch, and Belgium’s Jolien Vermeylen also falling. The challenging conditions required athletes to prioritize safety alongside speed. Linn noted that they were dirtier during the bike segment than the swim because water splashed up from the road. She also tried to maintain a position near the front of the pack to minimize the risk of crashes.
The women’s triathlon at the Paris Olympics highlighted the unpredictable nature of outdoor sports, where weather and terrain can turn a competition into a rigorous test of skill and endurance. The event showcases the importance of preparation and adaptability for organizers and athletes as they navigate the complexities of hosting an international sporting event in challenging conditions.