Triathlon Swim Training in Paris Canceled Due to River Seine Pollution

The Olympic triathlon swimming training session scheduled for Sunday in Paris has been canceled due to pollution in the River Seine. Paris 2024 and World Triathlon issued a joint statement indicating that recent tests revealed the water quality to be below acceptable standards for the athletes’ health.

While the River Seine was previously deemed safe for swimming after tests in July, heavy rain in the French capital over the past 48 hours has compromised the water quality. “The priority is the health of the athletes,” the statement emphasized. Tests conducted on Saturday showed that the water quality did not meet the requirements of the international federation, World Triathlon, to safely hold the event.

Despite the current conditions, Paris 2024 and World Triathlon remain optimistic that the water quality will improve in time for the triathlon competitions scheduled for July 30. The forecast for the next 48 hours suggests that the quality may return to acceptable levels. The statement noted that during summer conditions, such as increased sunshine and higher temperatures, the water quality in the Seine had improved significantly.

The statement also mentioned that significant rainfall can cause untreated sewage to enter the river. If the water quality does not improve to the required standard, the triathlon events could be postponed for a few days or relocated to Vaires-sur-Marne, situated on the Marne River east of Paris.

Although the swimming leg of the triathlon familiarization was canceled, the bike and running training sessions proceeded as planned. The swim was originally scheduled to take place at 07:00 BST.