By: Megan Wei
The upcoming training session for the Olympic triathlon at the 2024 Paris Games has been canceled due to troubling pollution levels in the River Seine. Originally set for Sunday, July 28, 2024, this training practice was intended to prepare athletes for the swimming segment of the triathlon, which is usually held in the ocean, but since Paris is a distance from the near ocean, the river Seine was the second option. However, recent tests of have flagged the Seine’s water quality as unsafe, prompting the World Triathlon and Paris 2024 organizers to call off the session.
The River Seine is a symbol of Parisian elegance and romance. It is also the centerpiece of the 2024 Olympic Games, and is grappling with pollution issues worsened by recent rain and urban runoff. This situtation adds more filth to the river and could harm the competitors’ health if they swim in the river. The decision to cancel the training underscores the critical need for athlete safety, given the unexpected rise in water contaminants after filtering the river. Just a few weeks ago, the River Seine had been declared clean enough for swimming, ending a century-long ban on not being permitted to swim in the river due to pollution. However, recent heavy rains have caused a surge in untreated sewage entering the river, leading to increased pollution levels and resulting in the cancellation of the swimming segment.
As the main triathlon event approaches on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, organizers are closely monitoring the situation. If the Seine’s water quality does not improve, the swimming portion may be either postponed or shifted to Vaires-sur-Marne, located east of Paris. This potential move highlights the ongoing challenges of hosting a global event in an urban environment, while officials remain committed to ensuring a pleasing and fair competition for all participants.
Despite this setback, training for the cycling and running components of the triathlon will continue as scheduled. Organizers are actively addressing the water quality issues and remain hopeful that a resolution will be found in time. While athletes will need to wait before swimming in the Seine, preparations for the rest of the triathlon are moving forward, ensuring that the event can still offer a monumental Olympic experience for participants and spectators.