Swimming is expected to make a comeback in the Seine at Paris 2024, ending a 100-year-old prohibition.
During the World Triathlon Para Cup held in Paris, the swimming sections were cancelled due to inconsistencies found in water quality tests from the River Seine.
The preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics were altered, transforming the planned triathlon into a duathlon.
The decision, made by World Aquatics, aimed to protect the health and safety of the participants.
In the men’s PTVI class, Great Britain’s Dave Ellis, along with guide Luke Pollard, won gold, while Claire Cashmore earned silver in the women’s PTS5 category.
On the preceding Thursday and Friday, the premier men’s and women’s triathlon competitions did include the swimming part in the Seine, and Great Britain’s Alex Yee and Beth Potter both secured gold.
Nevertheless, water quality in the Seine was previously deemed “below acceptable standards,” leading to the cancellation of an Open Water Swimming World Cup event, also a test for Paris 2024, earlier this month.
The Seine is planned to host marathon swimming, triathlon, and Para-triathlon events for the Olympics and Paralympics.
A return of swimming to the Seine is anticipated after a century, as stated by Paris authorities.
World Aquatics expressed concern over a significant inconsistency between the latest water quality tests and the results from high-frequency sample analyzers, as mentioned in a statement released on Saturday.
The discrepancy is being probed by Paris 2024, the City of Paris, and other public bodies, who have committed to providing more details as soon as possible.
The return of swimming is slated to be a significant legacy of the Games, backed by a €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion) rejuvenation project in Paris, which will create three open-air swimming areas along the quayside by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about water quality
What caused the cancellation of the swimming leg in the World Triathlon Para Cup in Paris?
The swimming legs were cancelled due to “discrepancies” in water quality tests from the River Seine. World Aquatics made the decision to protect the health and safety of the athletes.
Who won gold in the men’s PTVI class during the World Triathlon Para Cup?
Great Britain’s Dave Ellis, along with his guide Luke Pollard, won gold in the men’s PTVI class.
What are the plans for swimming in the Seine for the Paris 2024 Olympics?
The Seine is scheduled to host marathon swimming, triathlon, and Para-triathlon events at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. A €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion) regeneration project is also planned to create three open-air swimming areas accessible from the quayside by 2025.
Was there any other event affected by the water quality of the River Seine?
Yes, earlier in the month, an Open Water Swimming World Cup event, another test event for Paris 2024, was cancelled after water quality in the Seine was ruled to be “below acceptable standards.”
What is being done to investigate the discrepancy in water quality tests?
Paris 2024, the City of Paris, and public authorities are investigating the data discrepancy and will share more details as soon as more information is available.
5 comments
wow, GB’s doing great with the gold medals… Go team, but the water quality’s an embarrassment for Paris, they should’ve checked this earlier?
i think this is a big wake up call for Paris. Time to take environment issues seriously if they’re hosting such big events… So disappointed.
This is really concerning! Water quality should be top priority especially when it’s an international event. What’s happening Paris??
Congrats to Dave Ellis and Luke Pollard. But really the water issue could have been sorted out long before. Bad planning, very bad planning…
didn’t they knew this earlier, water quality cant be compromised in such a big event. Hope they fix it soon.