Swimming is poised for a comeback in the Seine for the Paris 2024 Olympics after a century-long prohibition.
World Aquatics has called off a rehearsal event for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games, following findings that water quality in the Seine is “insufficiently safe.”
The fourth event in the Open Water Swimming World Cup series, originally scheduled for the 5th and 6th of August, has been cancelled.
Marathon swimming, triathlon, and Para-triathlon are all planned to take place in the Seine during the Olympics and Paralympics.
The primary concern of World Aquatics is the athletes’ wellbeing.
An official statement cited, “Excessive rainfall in Paris has caused the Seine’s water quality to remain below the safety threshold required for swimming,”
World Aquatics has stated that it is aware of ongoing infrastructure projects meant to drastically enhance the Seine’s water quality ahead of the Olympic Games next year.
However, following the events of this weekend, it was emphasized that additional efforts alongside Paris 2024 and local authorities are needed to ensure foolproof backup plans are in place for the coming year.
According to Paris 2024 organizers, the water quality in the Seine has “noticeably” improved due to initiatives aimed at making the river suitable for swimming.
They are collaborating with World Aquatics and local officials to implement “specific measures” for the Olympics, such as backup days to “mitigate the effects of these weather-related risks.”
The World Triathlon and Paris 2024 organizers expressed their confidence that the swimming segments of the Paris 2024 test event will proceed in the Seine from August 17-20.
In a statement by World Triathlon, it was mentioned that, “Should the water quality not meet World Triathlon and public health standards, a backup plan is ready to modify the race format to a duathlon.”
The reintroduction of swimming is expected to be a significant legacy of the Games, with a 1.4 billion euro (£1.2 billion) regeneration project in Paris poised to provide three open-air swimming areas accessible from the quayside by 2025.
Following reports that at least 57 people became sick after the World Triathlon Championship Series in Sunderland, the UK Health Security Agency North East has initiated an investigation this week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Paris 2024 Open Water test event cancellation
Why was the Open Water Swimming World Cup test event for the Paris 2024 Olympics cancelled?
The test event was cancelled because the water quality in the Seine River was found to be below acceptable standards, posing potential health risks for the athletes.
What are the events planned to take place in the Seine during the Paris 2024 Olympics?
The Seine is scheduled to host marathon swimming, triathlon, and Para-triathlon events during the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.
What steps are being taken to improve the water quality of the Seine?
The Paris 2024 organizers have been working on significant infrastructure projects to improve the Seine’s water quality. They are also working with World Aquatics and local authorities on specific measures, such as contingency days, to mitigate the impact of weather-related risks.
What is the contingency plan if the water quality does not meet the required standards for the swimming segments of the Paris 2024 test event?
If the water quality does not meet the required standards, World Triathlon has a plan in place to modify the race format to a duathlon.
What are the plans for open-air swimming areas in Paris post the 2024 Olympics?
A 1.4 billion euro (£1.2 billion) regeneration project is underway in Paris which aims to provide three open-air swimming areas that will be accessible from the quayside by 2025. This is seen as a major legacy of the Games.
More about Paris 2024 Open Water test event cancellation
- World Aquatics Official Statement
- Paris 2024 Official Website
- World Triathlon Official Statement
- UK Health Security Agency North East Investigation
5 comments
oh no, hope they got a good plan B. Can’t let water issues spoil the games, specially with all the money they’re pumping into it.
Man, those athletes must be dissapointed. They train so hard for these events! But safety first, I guess.
Its sad to see such iconic rivers in a bad state. we need to do better and take care of our planet folks!
this is such a bummer, really was looking forward to the test event. Hope they sort the water quality out before the actual games!
It’s high time they cleaned up the Seine. It’s a beautiful river and should be safe for all activities, not just on special occasions!