Paris 2024 organizers canceled open-water swimming training on Tuesday due to pollution in the River Seine.
This marks the fifth time during the Games that poor water quality has led to the cancellation of swim familiarization sessions. Additionally, the men’s race has been postponed by a day.
The latest cancellation occurred just a day after the triathlon mixed team relay event. All triathlon swim legs have been conducted in the Seine, which is also slated for use in marathon swimming.
Tests indicated that levels of enterococci bacteria in the water had dropped below the required standard, but E. coli levels were still acceptable.
Another familiarization session is scheduled for Wednesday, with the women’s 10km race set for Thursday and the men’s race for Friday.
Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps stated, “We are confident the events will go ahead as planned given the weather tendency.”
Heavy rainfall has increased the bacterial levels in the Seine, although hot weather helps reduce the count.
If the Seine remains unsuitable, organizers have planned to relocate marathon swimming to Vaires-sur-Marne, east of Paris, where rowing and canoeing competitions are held.