Pollution forces cancellation of first triathlon training session at Paris Olympics

By Dilara Hamit

The first training session for triathletes at the Paris Olympics was canceled on Sunday due to pollution in the River Seine, organizers said.

Following a meeting to discuss the water quality and subsequent tests, a joint decision was made by Paris 2024 and World Triathlon to cancel the swimming part of the triathlon orientation.

The River Seine, which had been declared clean enough for swimming in tests conducted in mid-July, still posed concerns regarding its suitability for competition.

"Paris 2024 and World Triathlon reiterate that the priority is the health of the athletes," the statement read. "The analysis carried out yesterday in the Seine showed water quality levels that ... do not present sufficient guarantees to allow the event to take place."

Organizers attributed the compromised water quality to recent rainfall, expressing confidence that conditions would improve before the triathlon competition starts on July 30. Rain can cause untreated sewage to be washed into the river, impacting water quality.

In case the water quality remains below standards, a Plan B has been outlined. This involves either postponing the events for a few days or moving the marathon swimming to Vaires-sur-Marne, located on the Marne River east of Paris.