At the Paris Olympics, spectators along the River Seine cheered at athletes taking part in the swimming stage of the triathlon.

The triathlon in Paris involves swimming in the Seine, cycling and running through main streets such as the Champs-Elysees. The course totals 51.5 kilometers.

Water quality in the Seine had long been a problem. The city of Paris installed a new water purifying facility, but water quality worsened due to rain since the opening ceremony on Friday.

The men's triathlon that was scheduled for Tuesday was postponed.

Water quality improved on Wednesday, allowing the women's event to go ahead.

It was raining until just before the start of the race, but the river's condition was good enough for the athletes' 1.5-kilometer swim.

But in the cycling stage, several athletes slipped on the wet cobblestone and asphalt pavement.

Cassandre Beaugrand of France, who won the gold medal, said it was wonderful to actually swim in the Seine, despite some negative views about competing there.

The Seine will be the venue for the triathlon mixed relay on August 5 and marathon swimming on August 8 and 9.