The Paris 2024 Olympic triathlon events have been given the green light to proceed on Wednesday, July 31, after recent water quality tests in the Seine River showed satisfactory results. This decision comes after days of uncertainty and the initial postponement of the men’s event due to high levels of E. coli bacteria in the water following heavy rainfall.According to a joint statement from the World Triathlon organization and the Paris 2024 organizing committee, ‘The results of the latest water analyses, received at 3:20 am (1:20 GMT), have been assessed as compliant by World Triathlon, allowing for the triathlon competitions to take place’. The women’s event will start at 8:00 am local time, followed by the men’s event at 10:45 am.The improvement in water quality has been attributed to recent sunny weather and ongoing efforts to clean up the Seine. Aurélie Merle, the Paris 2024 director of sports, noted that testing results showed the water quality was ‘very close to the threshold’ of triathlon safety standards.Athletes from various countries, including Germany and Austria, are set to compete in the events. The triathlon consists of a 1,500-meter swim, 40 kilometers of cycling, and 10 kilometers of running. Participants will face additional challenges due to strong currents in the Seine, which are reported to be more intense than expected.This development is seen as a victory for the city of Paris, the organizers, and the athletes. It also provides hope for the success of the €1.4 billion investment in river cleanup efforts, which aims to make the Seine swimmable as an Olympic legacy.While the triathlon events are now set to proceed, organizers remain vigilant. The marathon swimming races, scheduled for August 8 and 9, could still be relocated to the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium if water quality issues persist.
Key points
- The Paris 2024 Olympic triathlon events will proceed on Wednesday, July 31, after water quality tests showed satisfactory results.
- The women’s event will start at 8:00 am local time, followed by the men’s event at 10:45 am.
- Recent sunny weather and cleanup efforts have contributed to the improvement in Seine River water quality.
- Athletes will face additional challenges due to strong currents in the Seine.
- The successful staging of the triathlon events is seen as a positive step for Paris’s €1.
4 billion investment in river cleanup efforts.
