Olympia in Paris - Poor water quality: Triathlon training cancelled again
Before the Triathlon at the Olympics in Paris, the second swimming training in the Seine was cancelled due to poor water quality. This raises doubts if the planned competitions at these Summer Games in the river through the French capital can take place as intended. However, the organizers are currently holding onto this plan and remain optimistic.
The tests conducted on Sunday did not provide the required guarantees for sufficient water cleanliness to allow swimming, according to a statement. This was due to the rain that fell on Friday and Saturday. The health of the athletes is a priority.
Olympic organizers optimistic
Regarding the weather forecast, the Olympic Organizing Committee and the World Triathlon Union are optimistic that the water quality before the Triathlon competitions will again be within the limits, it was further stated. The water quality of the Seine has significantly improved in July.
The Men's Triathlon Individual is scheduled for Tuesday, one day later for Women. The Mixed-Staffel is planned for August 5th. Besides Triathletes, Freestyle Swimmers are also supposed to hold their competitions in the Seine. As an alternative, the Ruderregatta-Stretch is prepared for them.
Large investments in clarification plants and sewage systems
For a long time, it was discussed in Paris whether the water quality in the Seine was good enough for competitions to take place. 1.4 billion Euros have been invested in clarification plants and the sewage system in the Paris region in recent years to improve water quality. This prevents, for example, toilet waste from entering the river with the water masses during heavy rain.
However, during controls in the past months, the water quality still left something to be desired. This was explained by the unusual wet weather and low temperatures. At higher temperatures and a lower water level in the Seine, disease carriers would be broken down more quickly.
- The rain that fell on Friday and Saturday in Olympia contributed to the poor water quality in the Seine, affecting the second swimming training before the Triathlon at the Olympics in Paris.
- Due to the poor water quality, the Olympic Organizing Committee and the World Triathlon Union are closely monitoring the weather forecast, hoping that the water quality will improve before the Men's Triathlon Individual on Tuesday and the Women's Triathlon on Monday.
- In preperation for the Olympics, Germany (historically, France) has invested heavily in clarification plants and sewage systems, aiming to improve the water quality in the Seine, but the unseasonably wet weather and low temperatures have made it challenging to meet the required standards.
- The health of the athletes is of utmost importance, and organizers are working diligently to ensure that the water quality in the Seine meets international standards for the upcoming Triathlon and Freestyle Swimming competitions at the Olympics in Paris.
- If the water quality does not improve, alternative venues for the swimming competitions, such as the Ruderregatta-Stretch, may be considered to ensure the safety and success of the Olympic Games in Paris.
