PARIS PARALYMPICS 2024: Poor water quality prompts triathlons delay
Paralympic triathlon competitions have been postponed because of concerns about water quality in the Seine River after heavy rain.
The 11 para triathlon events scheduled for Sunday (Monday AEST) are now scheduled for the following day, if upcoming water testing allows, the Paris 2024 organising committee and World Triathlon said in a joint statement.
Rainstorms hit the French capital on Friday and Saturday. Heavy rains cause waste-water and run-off to flow into the river, leading to a rise in bacteria levels, including E coli.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.This is the second scheduled change for the para triathlon events. They had initially been scheduled to take place over two days, Sunday and Monday, but were moved to Sunday because of rain forecasts.
The disruption is another hiccup for the city’s efforts to clean up the river for future public swimming, one of the most ambitious promises made by Paris organisers ahead of hosting this year’s Olympics and Paralympics.
The men’s individual triathlon event during the Paris Olympics was delayed and several test swims were cancelled because of high E coli levels after rainfall.
Some Olympic triathletes fell ill after swimming in the Seine, though it is unclear whether that was linked to the river water.
