The practice for the athletes taking part in the triathlon at Paris Olympics has been called off due to the polluted river Seine. The decision comes after a meeting of the organizers over the quality of water and tests that saw the Seine as unfit for practice. The French capital has been struggling to keep the river pollution free, having just secured clearance for the Olympics few months before.
Triathlon practice on River Seine cancelled
The triathlon event is scheduled to begin on July 30 and the organizers are confident that the quality of the water will improve in the coming days. Rain over the last few days has been blamed for the deterioration of the quality of water. It is pertinent to point out that further rain could only worsen the situation, essentially threatening the event fixtures.
“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 from the Paris Olympics organisers said.
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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