Swimmers at the 2024 Paris Olympics have expressed concerns about the pool depth, claiming it is causing slower times. The pool at Paris La Defense Arena is 2.15 meters deep, while World Aquatics recommends a depth of 3 meters for Olympic pools.
The 2024 Paris Olympics have witnessed thrilling races and electric crowds, but something unusual has been plaguing the swimmers: slow times. Upon inspecting the scoreboard, athletes have noticed a stark difference in their performances compared to previous Games.
The men's 100-meter breaststroke final showcased the disparity. United States veteran Nic Fink claimed silver with a time of 59.05, tying Great Britain's Adam Peaty. However, this time would have placed them eighth in the Tokyo Olympics final.
Paris Pool Depth Concerns Linger After Slow Swim Times
On the women's side, Katie Ledecky failed to break the four-minute barrier in the 400-meter freestyle, settling for bronze. Gold medalist Ariarne Titmus of Australia also fell short of her personal best.
Swimmers have pointed to the pool depth as a potential culprit. The Paris La Defense Arena pool measures 2.15 meters deep, while World Aquatics recommends a depth of 3 meters for Olympic pools. The organization's minimum depth for events is now 2.5 meters.
Paris Pool Depth Concerns Linger After Slow Swim Times
The shallow depth is creating waves that bounce off the pool bottom, interfering with swimmers' strokes. Ken Ono, an expert in swimming pool design, has received reports from competitors who have modified their dives due to the shallow water.
"The pool is fast compared to your neighborhood swim club, but it is not ideal for record setting," Ono said.
Paris Pool Depth Concerns Linger After Slow Swim Times
Peaty, the world record holder in the 100-meter breaststroke, acknowledged the slowness, calling it "a strange one."
While records may be elusive, swimmers emphasize that medals still matter, and everyone is competing on a level playing field.
"Times don't matter. It's all about place at the Olympics," said Paige Madden, a U.S. women's freestyle swimmer.
Despite the challenges, swimmers remain determined to chase world records. However, if the first races are any indication, the Paris pool may prove to be a barrier for record-breaking performances.
The slow times in Paris have raised concerns about the impact of pool depth on swimming competitions. While the pool meets the minimum requirements set by World Aquatics, some experts argue that the shallow water is hindering swimmers' abilities.
It remains to be seen whether the pool depth will continue to be an issue throughout the remaining swimming events. However, it is clear that the Paris pool has introduced a unique challenge for athletes who are accustomed to competing in deeper water.
The depth of competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics remains fierce, but the pool depth has added an unexpected variable that could influence the outcome of races and the pursuit of world records.
