Seine Pollution Halts Olympic Swim Training

The first swimming training session for the triathlon in the Seine River, scheduled for Sunday, has been canceled due to poor water quality.

This decision highlights ongoing concerns about the Paris 2024 Olympics' plan to hold the triathlon and open water swimming events in the Seine, posing potential health risks to athletes due to river pollution.

Organizers have insisted on continuing with the planned events, despite increased worries. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo even swam in the river to demonstrate its cleanliness.

However, continuous rainfall since last Friday's opening ceremony has exacerbated the problem, raising doubts about water quality.

With swimming training canceled, athletes will only conduct running and cycling drills on the triathlon course.

The men's triathlon competition is set to begin on Tuesday, followed by the women's event on Wednesday, and the mixed relay on August 5. Open water swimming marathon events are scheduled for August 8 and 9.

Water quality tests conducted on Saturday did not meet the necessary standards set by the International Triathlon Union.

Paris 2024 organizers and the International Triathlon Union emphasized in a statement that the athletes' health remains the top priority.

In recent years, France has invested €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) in wastewater treatment plants and the sewage network in the Greater Paris area to improve water quality.

However, recent rainfall and below-average temperatures have deteriorated water conditions. Typically, higher temperatures and lower water levels in the Seine help break down pathogens more quickly.