As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the depth of the swimming pools at the Paris La Défense Arena has sparked controversy. The arena, located in Nanterre, was initially slated for completion in 2014 but officially opened in October 2017. The facility, which underwent significant structural changes to accommodate two 50-meter pools, is now facing scrutiny over its compliance with international regulations.
The Italian company Piscine Castiglione, renowned for its Myrtha Pools brand, has been tasked with installing the temporary pools. This will be the sixth Olympics where Piscine Castiglione has provided the Olympic pools, following events in Atlanta, Beijing, London, Rio, and Tokyo.
The World Aquatics regulations mandate a minimum pool depth of two meters for Olympic events. However, recent reports from French media outlet Le Parisien indicate that the 50-meter pools at the Paris La Défense Arena are only 2.15 meters deep, approximately 80 centimeters less than the depth of the pool used in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
This discrepancy has raised concerns among athletes and experts. The depth of the pool can significantly impact performance, with deeper pools generally providing calmer water and reducing turbulence caused by wave reflections. Swimmers training at La Défense have noted that the side lanes have a step of about 10 centimeters, further reducing the effective depth of the pool, though these lanes will be used primarily for preliminary rounds.
The Paris Aquatic Center, newly constructed for the Games, will host artistic swimming events, where pool depth is even more critical. The debate over pool depth echoes past controversies, such as the one raised by Korean swimmer Hwang Sunwoo, who previously complained about a pool being deeper than he was accustomed to.
As the Games draw nearer, the depth of the pools at Paris La Défense Arena continues to be a topic of discussion, with implications for both the scientific and psychological aspects of competitive swimming.
