Paris Olympics 2024: Triathlon training in Seine cancelled again due to pollution

Heavy rainfall can lead to untreated sewage entering the river, which impacts water quality.

Paris Olympics’ triathlon training for July 29, too, has been cancelled after heavy rain sent up pollution levels of the Seine, the second straight day that athletes will not be able to practise for the much-awaited event.

The organisers and World Triathlon, however, remain optimistic that the triathlon medal events will proceed as planned on July 30-31.

In a joint statement, Paris 2024 and World Triathlon confirmed the cancellation of the swimming training session on July 29, citing concerns over the "insufficient guarantees" of water quality.

Recent tests revealed that the river’s water quality fell below acceptable standards due to weekend downpours in Paris.

"The tests carried out on Saturday showed that the water quality did not meet the necessary criteria for the event," the statement said. "However, given the weather forecast for the next 48 hours, we are confident that the water quality will return to acceptable levels before the triathlon competitions begin on July 30."

Heavy rainfall can lead to untreated sewage entering the river, which impacts water quality. The organisers said the Seine’s water quality significantly improved in July due to summer conditions, including more sunshine and higher temperatures.

If the water quality does not meet the required standards on the race day, there are contingency plans in place. The triathlon events have two reserved days, August 1 and 2. If the water quality remains unsuitable on these days, the swimming segment of the triathlon will be cancelled and the event will proceed as a duathlon. Alternatively, open water swimming could be moved to Vaires-sur-Marne on the Marne River east of Paris.

The bike and running training sessions proceeded as planned but the cancellation of the swimming familiarisation session has left athletes anxious.