Paris 2024 Triathlon Training Hampered by Seine Pollution
Olympic organizers have been forced to cancel part of the triathlon training scheduled for Saturday due to concerns over water pollution in the River Seine. The decision was made after heavy rainfall over the past two nights, which has significantly increased the likelihood of the waterway being too polluted for swimming.
The training session, which was set to include the mixed relay event, will now only feature the running and cycling components. The cancellation is a setback for athletes preparing for the 2024 Paris Games, where the triathlon will be held in the Seine.
The Seine has been a major focus of environmental concerns in recent years, despite significant investments by French authorities to improve its water quality. However, heavy downpours continue to overwhelm the city’s drainage system, leading to untreated sewage being released into the river.
This issue has already impacted the Paris Games, with the men’s triathlon being postponed for 24 hours on Tuesday due to pollution concerns. The event was eventually held on Wednesday after water quality was deemed acceptable.
The weather during the Paris Games has been unpredictable, with extreme heat and heavy rainfall. The torrential rain during the opening ceremony caused significant disruptions and raised concerns about the impact on outdoor events.
Organizers are closely monitoring the water quality in the Seine and will make further decisions on training and competition schedules as necessary. The health and safety of athletes remains the top priority, and they will not hesitate to cancel or postpone events if the water quality is deemed unsafe.
