The men’s triathlon event in the Paris Olympics has been postponed by a day due to the pollution levels of river Seine. Just a couple of days earlier, a practice for the event was canceled due to the poor quality of water and health concerns that were flagged in a meeting of the organizers. The event will now take place now Wednesday at 10:45 AM IST.
Polluted Seine forces triathlon event to be postponed
As per a statement issued by World Triathlon, the event was postponed after the recent round of water quality tests showed that there might be health concerns for the athletes if the event went ahead. It stated that rain over the last few days in Paris has not helped in improving the pollution levels. Further, the body will meet with the coaches on July 31 to give them more clarity on the event.
What happens if event can’t take place at river Seine?
There is a contingency plan in place if the quality of water does not meet the requirement to be deemed safe. The triathlon swimming event will then be shifted to Vaires-sur-Marne, on the Marne river east of Paris.
Sports Minister’s ‘dip’ in ‘safe Seine’
Earlier on July 17, France’s Minister of Sports and the Olympics and Paralympics, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, took a dip in the river Seine. It was a symbolic dive to show that the river is safe and clean for hosting swimming events. Swimming in the Seine had been banned since 1923 due to dangerous pollution levels.
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