Paris Olympics organizers canceled the triathlon swimming training session in the Seine river for a second day, 24 hours before the men's race, after heavy rain late last week increased both pollution levels and the speed of the current.

Paris

The 2024 Summer Olympics are underway in Paris, with competition lasting until mid-August.

Paris Olympics

Organizers of the Paris Olympics have cancelled a second day of triathlon swimming training in the Seine River. Following heavy rains last week, pollution levels in the water increased, and the current's speed heightened. This decision comes just 24 hours before the men's race is set to begin.

Fifty-five triathletes are anticipated to start the race in the Seine. The women's race is scheduled to take place shortly after. Despite the cancellation of the familiarization swim, officials remain optimistic about holding the upcoming competitions. A contingency plan is also in place for an additional race day if needed.

Tuesday’s race is historically significant, as it would be the first time Olympic athletes have competed in the Seine since 1900. Portugal's triathlete Maria Tomei expressed that competitors are trying to stay focused and are prepared, having undergone test events last year to familiarize themselves with the river conditions.

A final decision regarding the race will be made based on water samples taken from the river. Athletes will be immediately informed if the event is cancelled. France has invested $1.4 billion in new wastewater infrastructure to reduce sewage pollution in the river, aiming to leave behind a swimmable Seine as a legacy from the Games.



Seine swim training canceled again over pollution, current

Organizers of the Paris Olympics cancelled a second day of triathlon swimming training in the Seine River on Monday, after heavy rains last week increased pollution levels in the water and the speed of the current. The cancellation came 24 hours before the start of the men's race. Fifty-five triathletes are expected to dive into the Seine around 8 a.m. on Tuesday. The women's race is scheduled for Wednesday morning. We're confident that we will be able to hold, even though we cancelled the familiarization this morning, the competition tomorrow and Wednesday. And we still have a contingency plan that is in place for Friday, just in case. But as far as we are concerned, we are still confident to be able to hold the competition tomorrow. Tuesday's race would mark the first time Olympic athletes have competed in the river since 1900. Triathlete Maria Tomei from Portugal says she and other competitors are trying to stay focused. I think all of the triathletes want to be a triathlete, so we are doing all like if it was going to be. So we have tried last year, we had like a test event, so we already know the conditions, so let's see. I hope it can be on the river. Paris 2024's Tabois says a final decision will be made Tuesday at 4 a.m. based on samples taken from the river 24 hours before. Athletes will be informed immediately if the race is cancelled. France invested $1.4 billion in new wastewater infrastructure to reduce the amount of sewage flowing into the river. And a swimmable Seine is a key legacy Games organizers aim to leave behind. For more UN videos visit www.un.org

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