There has been more chaos at the 2024 Paris Oympics after triathlon competitors had a training session postponed. The River Seine was due to be the scene of a practice swimming session today (Sunday), but that has been scuppered due to water condtions.
Organisers have released a statement confirming the decision, which followed examinations on Saturday.
“Paris 2024 and World Triathlon reiterate that the priority is the health of the athletes,” they said. “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.
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The competition is still set to start as planned on Tuesday, with the statement adding: “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 for of the triathlon competitions.”
Contingency plans are reportedly in place if conditions in the river don’t sufficiently improve. Vaires-sur-Marne, on the Marne river east of Paris, is a back-up option for both the triathlon and swimming marathon.
The swimming leg of the familiarisation had been due to take place at 7am this morning. The bike and running training however, will go ahead as scheduled.
The development means further schedule disruption after inclement weather plagued the opening day on Saturday. A skateboarding event was postponed while the tennis at Roland Garros was hit by delays.
Friday’s opening ceremony was also plagued by heavy rain, with many participants using umbrellas to shield themselves. The water in the river had already been the subject of concern in the build-up to the summer Games, with tests as recently as June showing traces of E.coli.
Last week, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet publicly swam in the Seine in a bid to allay fears. However, the deluge over the weekend has resulted in a change of circumstances.
On Saturday, organisers had been hopeful of the triathlon session going ahead as planned. However, they did also warn athletes of a possible postponement.
“The rain that has fallen on Paris over the last 24 hours is likely to impact the quality of the water in the Seine over the next 24 to 36 hours,” they said in a statement. “Depending on current water quality levels and the conditions expected over the next 24 hours, it is possible that the familiarisation scheduled for Sunday 28 July at 8am may be cancelled.”
