Paris Olympics' first triathlon training cancelled due to pollution in Seine

Paris: The first training session for triathletes at the Paris Olympics was called off on Sunday because of pollution in the River Seine, according to organisers.

In a joint statement from Paris 2024 and World Triathlon, it was announced that after assessing water quality and conducting tests, they decided to cancel the swimming part of the triathlon orientation.

The marathon swimming and triathlon events were set to happen in the river near the Alexandre III bridge during the Olympics, which started on July 26.

Tests conducted from mid-July indicated the River Seine was deemed clean enough for swimming, but uncertainties lingered about its suitability for competition.

"Paris 2024 and World Triathlon reiterate that the priority is the health of the athletes. The analysis carried out yesterday in the Seine showed water quality levels that... do not present sufficient guarantees to allow the event to take place," the statement said.

Organisers attributed recent rainfall for the concerns and expressed optimism that water quality would improve sufficiently before the triathlon competition scheduled to commence on July 30.

During heavy rain, untreated sewage may flow into the river, posing risks to water quality.

If standards are not met, a contingency plan involves potentially delaying events for a few days or relocating marathon swimming to Vaires-sur-Marne, situated on the Marne River east of Paris.

On July 17, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo swam in the Seine along with Paris 2024 chief organiser Tony Estanguet

Agencies