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Pollution Forces Cancellation of Olympic Triathlon Swim Training in Paris

Pollution in the River Seine has led to the cancellation of Sunday’s proposed swimming training for Olympic triathletes in Paris. A joint statement from Paris 2024 and World Triathlon indicated that recent water quality tests showed levels below acceptable standards.

Following favorable test results in July, the Seine had been deemed clean enough for swimming. However, heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours in the French capital has negatively impacted water quality. “The priority is the health of the athletes,” the statement emphasized.

Tests conducted on Saturday revealed insufficient water quality guarantees to proceed with the event. Despite this setback, organizers remain optimistic. “Given the weather forecast for the next 48 hours, Paris 2024 and World Triathlon are confident that water quality will return to below limits before the start of the triathlon competitions [on 30 July].”

Heavy rainfall can cause untreated sewage to enter the river, but the statement noted that summer conditions typically lead to significant improvements in water quality. Should the Seine not meet required standards on race day, the triathlon schedule includes contingency days on 1 and 2 August. If water quality remains unsuitable, the swimming leg will be replaced with a duathlon. Additionally, the open water swimming event can be relocated to Vaires-sur-Marne on the Marne River, east of Paris.

The swimming leg of the triathlon familiarization had been scheduled for 07:00 BST, while the bike and running training proceeded as planned.

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