Triathlon in Seine

The practice swim for the Olympic triathlon in Paris has been canceled due to poor water quality in the Seine River, which has been affected by heavy rainfall. Organizers, including World Triathlon and local authorities, prioritized athlete health in their decision, noting that recent rains have led to high levels of E. coli in the river. Despite these concerns, officials remain optimistic that the water quality will improve in time for the men's and women's triathlon events scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Paris Deputy Mayor Antoine Guillou expressed confidence that past experiences indicate water quality can rebound quickly, typically within 24 to 48 hours. Additionally, the extensive cleanup efforts costing €1.4 billion since 2016 are expected to aid in maintaining acceptable conditions. However, contingency plans are in place should the water quality not meet required standards, including potential delays or relocation of events.