PARIS — A mixed triathlon relay that was scheduled to take place in the Seine River on Sunday was postponed due to concerns about the water quality.
Triathlon swimmers competed in the Seine on Thursday and Friday, but Saturday's para-triathlon test event was postponed when water quality testing revealed bacteria levels that were higher than permitted. Inconsistent results from additional testing conducted before Sunday's mixed relay, according to a joint statement from the event's organizers and municipal authorities.
The statement read, "The decision has once again been taken to cancel all of the swimming races scheduled for today in order to exercise prudence and safeguard the health of the participants. Authorities are looking into the cause of the troublesome testing.
Recent rains could have played a role. This month's test event had to be cancelled because untreated garbage overflowed into the Seine as a result of heavy rain, lowering the water's quality below acceptable levels.
The mayor of Paris' plans to reopen the famous river to public swimming after the Games face fresh difficulty as a result of this weekend's cancellations.
The city of Paris is investing heavily in water management initiatives that, according to officials, will reduce storm-related pollution by the time the Games start on July 26, 2024. The open-air swimming competitions are still planned for the gorgeous river by the Olympics organizers, who see this month's cancellations as a teaching opportunity.
