Paris 2024 Triathlon: Swimming at risk due to the quality of the Seine water?

The triathlon of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which is scheduled to take place on July 27, is once again under the shadow of uncertainty.

The quality of the water of the Seine, where the swimming segment has to be held, may not be in suitable conditions for the competition.

This is not the first time that water quality in triathlon has been critical at the Olympic Games, since the same thing happened in London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

The 2024 edition is at risk due to the pollution detected in the Seine, including alarming levels of E. coli, as reported by the Surfrider Foundation Europe.

Own Tony Estanguet, president of Paris 2024, has recognized the possibility of a delay or even cancellation of swimming if the river conditions are not suitable for competition.

The organization has implemented five projects to improve sanitation infrastructure and reduce pollution.

What options are proposed?

Estanguet, admits that heavy rains could compromise these efforts, putting the completion of the swimming segment at stake and alternatives are being sought such as delaying the race, but complete cancellation is a last resort that everyone hopes to avoid.

Triathlon delay

The test could be postponed until water conditions improve. This would allow the event to take place in its original format, with the three disciplines (swimming, cycling and running).

Swimming cancellation

If the water quality does not improve, the alternative would be to cancel the swimming test and replace it with another, such as a running race or a duathlon.

Paris 2024 organizers are working with local authorities to monitor the quality of the Seine water and make the most appropriate decision at the right time.

It is expected that an official statement with definitive information about the triathlon will be issued in the coming weeks.