Seine Pollution: Olympics Organisers Cancel First Triathalon Training (image-twitter/Paris2024)
The inaugural practice of the athletes competing in the Paris Olympics 2024 was canceled due to the poor water quality of the River Seine. The organisers decided to call off the session citing the pollution issue that may have caused due to the recent rain.
Following a meeting “on the water quality” and tests, “a joint decision was taken to cancel the swimming part of the triathlon orientation,” a Paris 2024 and World Triathlon statement said.
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River Seine was declared clean enough for swimming in tests from mid-July, but doubts remained as to whether the waters would be fit for competition.
However, uncertainties lingered regarding whether the quality of the water would be adequate for competitive events.
The organisers of the triathlon competition, which is set to commence on July 30, stated the quality of the water may be affected due to the recent rain. They have expressed their assurance that the water conditions would be sufficiently restored before the event’s scheduled start date.
In case, if the water quality fails to meet the required standards, the organisers have prepared a contingency ‘Plan B’. It includes either delaying the event by a few days or relocating the marathon swimming competition to Vaires-sur-Marne, situated along the Marne River, east of Paris.
Heavy rainfall leads to untreated sewage being carried into the river, compromising the water quality.
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To demonstrate their confidence in the water quality, Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, and Tony Estanguet, the chief organiser of Paris 2024, on July 17, participated in a swim in the Seine to demonstrate their confidence in the water quality.
