Dutch Swimmer Makes History with Gold in Women’s 10km

The women’s 10km open water swimming event at the Paris 2024 Olympics ended with an exciting finish. Olympic champion Sharon Van Rouwendaal from the Netherlands made waves once again, coming from behind to claim her second gold medal in this event, making her the first athlete ever to do so.

Moesha Johnson from Australia took home the silver medal, while Italy‘s Ginevra Taddeucci secured the bronze, marking her country’s first medal in this event since 2016.

The race was intensely competitive as the swimmers navigated the currents of the River Seine. Moesha Johnson led for much of the race but was ultimately overtaken by the talented Van Rouwendaal, whose impressive late surge proved crucial for her victory.

Reflecting on the race, Johnson said, “It’s gonna take a while to sink in.” She noticed the live screens during the race, and by the second-to-last lap, she knew she was part of a leading trio competing for medals.

Before the event, concerns about the water quality had been rampant. A familiarization swim had to be canceled, and some athletes reported feeling ill after competing in the river. However, many swimmers, including Johnson, expressed excitement about the beautiful course, hoping the event would run smoothly.

As for the race itself, the swollen Seine posed a significant challenge. The strong current made for a tactical competition, and athletes had to strategize their movements carefully. Johnson detailed her experiences, explaining that using the river’s current to her advantage was key, but it was Van Rouwendaal who ultimately executed the best strategy in the final lap.

After her victory, Van Rouwendaal celebrated her remarkable achievement, and Johnson felt proud to have claimed silver despite the fierce competition. Both athletes, alongside the organizing committee, are grateful that swimming in the Seine has become a safe and thrilling possibility.

This year’s Olympics not only spotlighted impressive athleticism but also showcased strides made toward making the Seine a swimmable body of water once again, a significant achievement for Paris and the local community.