If one element has marked the Paris Olympics so far it is water. Beyond the athletic competitions, host nations plough money into the spectacle of the opening ceremonies, which are often compared to those of preceding Games. On Friday, the French capital pushed the envelope with an ambitious show that put the city on display rather than focusing on a single stadium.
But the grand event was overshadowed by angry clouds that tipped down 15 days' worth of rain in a few hours. The acrobatics, lasers, and star-studded performances went on as dignitaries donned plastic ponchos. Meanwhile in Brussels the evening was warm and dry.
Conditions didn't improve on Saturday, with Belgium's cyclists battling in the time trial on a course slick with standing water. In the women's event, Belgium's Lotte Kopecky came down on the slippery tarmac, dashing the hopes for a medal. Belgium fared better in the men's event, with Remco Evenepoel taking gold and Wout Van Aert bronze. But other riders were critical of the course and felt they would have fared better had the elements been favourable.
The Olympic organisers will be grateful that a heatwave has now chased away the rain, but water is still a key topic in coverage of the Games. Attention is now turned to the Seine, which has become a talking point amid hopes that it could be used for the triathlon events. Swimming in Paris' central waterway would certainly be a strong image and a resounding success for environmental efforts to clean up the river.
But despite a highly publicised dip by the city's mayor Anne Hidalgo weeks ahead of the Games, latest analyses have deemed the water quality unsafe to stage the triathlon – a decision that has frustrated competitors. Among them is Belgium's Marten Van Riel, who fumed that organisers had prioritised aesthetic appeal over the welfare of athletes. He deemed the failure to plan an alternative venue disrespectful to the triathletes, who have invested years in preparation.
International events aside, the lack of safe spaces for swimming outdoors is a challenge that Brussels also faces. At present there is just one location where the public can cool off outdoors – FLOW in Anderlecht. The site is a valiant attempt to provide an accessible swimming location but the pool is small and its creators intend it more to highlight the need for proper pools built and managed by the Capital Region.
Unfortunately for Brussels residents, plans for a future pool are still a long way from materialising, leaving us with few options to bathe when it does get hot. How do you cool off? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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