Triathletes take to the Seine in front of an enthusiastic crowd!

"Mom, we're going to be late!", a young English boy who looks like he's just woken excitedly trots behind his parents, overexcited by the event. It's 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31st, and yet the atmosphere around the Alexandre-III bridge is already buzzing with excitement. The rain that has been falling since the middle of the night hasn't dampened the spirits of the crowd that has gathered for the upcoming triathlon.

"As early as 4.30 a.m., we saw people arriving at breakneck speed to find the best place to set up," explain a group of gendarmes stationed in the area, surprised by such a large crowd. Several thousand people crowded around the bridges and quays to watch this unprecedented event. One of the only free Paris 2024 competitions.

Many people had gathered to cheer on the female athletes in the uncompromising triathlon event, but were also there to witness a much-anticipated occasion: swimming, the first competition to be held in the Seine in over a hundred years. "This is a historic moment. I work next door, so I didn't want to miss it, even if you can't see very well. I'll be able to say I was there!" enthuses Vincent, who we met on the Pont de l'Alma, the shopkeeper's chosen vantage point from which to catch a glimpse of history.

A Canadian couple, right next door, have everything ready; a big camera and binoculars. "Do you think the water is cold? " a young girl asks her parents. As for an American couple, they chose to sit out on the terrace and have breakfast with a view of the race.

Almost everyone has their phone out, listening to commentary announcing the start of the race. At eight o'clock sharp, the 56 triathletes set off from the floating pontoon below the Alexandre-III bridge. That's it, the race is on: 1,500-meter swim!

The atmosphere gets increasingly festive as we get closer to the starting point. The athletes finish their first round, cheered on by supporters who chant their names at the top of their voices. Flags flutter in the air, jerseys are out and flamboyant make-up makes you forget that a few minutes ago, rain was pouring down on the crowd. As the weather improves, so does the atmosphere.

Once out they made their way out of the water, the athletes mounted their bikes for a 40-kilometer course, before tackling the 10-kilometer run. The route took in prestigious monuments such as the Assemblée Nationale (7th arrondissement), the Grand Palais (8th arrondissement) and the Invalides (7th arrondissement). Along the route, onlookers were fewer and farther between, congregating round the bends. The wet pavement makes for some memorable scenes, with some people slipping or skidding… fortunately without too many consequences.

At the finish, the crowd went wild: France's Cassandre Beaugrand won the Olympic title earning a standing ovation, and collapsed after the finish line, exhausted and in tears. One hour later, same place, same crowd and the men were off!