Deteriorated Seine River Water Quality... Men's Triathlon Event Ultimately Postponed [Paris Olympics]

Concerns that had been raised even before the 2024 Paris Olympics have become a reality. The men's triathlon event, scheduled to take place on the Seine River in Paris on the 30th (local time), was ultimately postponed due to water quality issues. Some have even suggested that if the water quality does not improve, the swimming portion of the event could be canceled.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The Paris Olympic Organizing Committee announced that the men's triathlon, originally set to start at 8 a.m. that day, would be postponed by one day. Accordingly, the men's triathlon will now take place on the 31st, starting at 10:45 a.m., immediately after the women's triathlon concludes. The event is held on the Seine River, which flows through the center of the French capital, Paris.

The organizing committee explained, "Unfortunately, due to uncontrollable weather conditions such as the rain that fell in Paris on July 26-27, the water quality has deteriorated," adding, "Although the water quality has improved over the past few hours, measurements at some points along the swimming course still exceed the allowable limits." Previously, the committee had expressed confidence that the event scheduled for the 29th would proceed despite the cancellation of triathlon training for two consecutive days due to the worsening water quality in the Seine.

According to the water quality standards of World Aquatics, the maximum allowable level of Escherichia coli is 1000 CFU (colony-forming units) per 100 mL, and Enterococcus is 400 CFU. Swimming in water exceeding these levels can cause various illnesses such as gastroenteritis and conjunctivitis. Locally, concerns about water quality arose as untreated sewage flowed into the Seine due to rain starting from the opening ceremony on the 26th. In response, the International Triathlon Union (ITU) canceled training sessions for two days prior to the competition.

In the worst-case scenario where water quality does not improve, there is a possibility that only duathlon events (running and cycling, excluding swimming) will be held. Heavy rain is also forecasted for Tuesday night. There is a chance of rain on both July 31 and August 1 as well.

At this Olympics, triathlon and open water swimming events, often referred to as swimming marathons, are scheduled to be held on the Seine River. The French government and the City of Paris invested approximately 1.4 billion euros ahead of the Games to improve the Seine’s water quality by constructing underground water storage basins and upgrading sewage infrastructure. Earlier this month, indicators showed that the Seine’s water quality had improved to meet swimming standards, prompting Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and others to hold promotional events where they swam directly in the Seine. However, officials and major international media have continuously pointed out that the water quality in the Seine could rapidly deteriorate if it rains during the Olympics.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.