PARIS, France: The initial training session for triathletes at the Paris Olympics was canceled on Sunday because of pollution in the River Seine, as announced by the event organizers. A joint statement from Paris 2024 and World Triathlon revealed that the decision followed a meeting on water quality and subsequent tests.
Although the Seine had been deemed clean enough for swimming in tests conducted in mid-July, there were lingering concerns about its suitability for competition. Organizers stressed that the athletes’ health is the top priority, and recent analysis indicated that the water quality did not meet the necessary standards.
Recent rainfall has exacerbated pollution levels, as untreated sewage can be washed into the river during heavy rain. Organizers are hopeful that water quality will improve before the triathlon competition begins on July 30. Should the pollution levels remain problematic, alternative plans include postponing the events or relocating the marathon swimming to Vaires-sur-Marne on the Marne river, east of Paris.
On July 17, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Paris 2024 chief organizer Tony Estanguet swam in the Seine to showcase its improved water quality, highlighting the efforts to clean the river ahead of the Olympics.
