The eagerly awaited first training session for the Paris Olympics triathlon was canceled on Sunday due to pollution concerns in the River Seine, according to organizers.
After a thorough meeting on water quality and subsequent tests, Paris 2024 and World Triathlon decided to scrap the swimming component of the triathlon orientation. Initially, mid-July tests indicated the Seine was clean enough for swimming, but lingering doubts about water safety persisted.
\"The health of the athletes is our top priority,\" stated the Paris 2024 and World Triathlon statement. \"Yesterday's analysis showed that the water quality levels do not present sufficient guarantees to allow the event to take place.\"
Organizers attributed the pollution to recent rainfall, which can wash untreated sewage into the river. However, they remain hopeful that water quality will improve ahead of the competition starting on July 30.
In case of heavy rain affecting water quality, a \"Plan B\" is in place to either postpone events for a few days or relocate the swimming segment to Vaires-sur-Marne on the Marne River, east of Paris.
In a show of solidarity, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo swam in the Seine on July 17 alongside Paris 2024 chief organizer Tony Estanguet.
Reference(s):
Olympic triathlon training session canceled over Seine pollution
cgtn.com
