Paris, July 28, 2024, The Europe Today: A swimming training session for the 2024 Paris Olympics triathlon was canceled on Sunday, as recent heavy rains have caused increased pollution levels in the Seine River, organizers announced.
Despite French authorities investing €1.4 billion ($1.52 billion) in new wastewater infrastructure to reduce sewage levels and make the river swimmable after more than a century-long ban, the recent downpour has temporarily reversed these efforts.
Organizers expressed confidence that the forecasted sunshine and higher temperatures over the next 48 hours would improve the pollution levels before the men’s triathlon race commences on Tuesday.
World Triathlon officials, in collaboration with Paris authorities, conduct early morning water tests on training and competition days to determine the water quality. Tests carried out on Saturday indicated that the water quality did not meet the standards required by the international federation, World Triathlon, to ensure the athletes’ safety.
The relentless rainfall since the opening ceremony on Friday was cited as the primary reason for the elevated pollution levels. Both Paris 2024 organizers and World Triathlon reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing the health of the athletes.
“We have had some rainfall but everything that has been put in place has worked,” Pierre Rabadan, Paris’s deputy mayor for sports, stated at a press conference on Sunday. “It prevents overflows from occurring so I think we will reach a satisfying quality of the water very soon, but it will depend on the weather forecast as well.”
France has been determined to demonstrate that the iconic Seine River is safe for swimming, amidst widespread concerns ahead of the Olympics. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo even took a swim in the river before the start of the Olympics to showcase its cleanliness and safety.
As efforts continue to monitor and improve water quality, the organizers remain optimistic about the upcoming triathlon events proceeding as scheduled.