Follow usParis 2024 president Tony Estanguet has raised concerns that the swimming leg of the triathlon at the upcoming Olympics may need to be cancelled due to potential water quality issues in the River Seine, particularly in the event of heavy rainfall.
Recent testing conducted by the Surfrider Foundation Europe revealed concerning levels of E. coli in the river, prompting Estanguet to address contingency plans, including the possibility of delaying the event until conditions improve.
Speaking at Sport Accord in Birmingham, Estanguet emphasized the importance of ensuring safe conditions for athletes, stating, “We knew it will be a big challenge.” He explained that while efforts are being made to address the issue, such as postponing events in case of inclement weather, there may be instances where swimming activities cannot proceed as planned to adhere to safety regulations.
The triathlon events are currently scheduled for July 30th and 31st for men and women respectively, with the mixed event set for August 5th. The Seine is also slated to host marathon swimming at the Olympics and the Para-triathlon event at the Paralympics beginning on August 28th.
Surfrider Foundation Europe’s findings indicated that water samples taken near the Alexandre III Bridge, the starting point for the triathlon events, failed to meet safety standards. Concerns arise particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, which can elevate bacterial levels in the water.
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