The 2024 Paris Olympic Games face a major challenge as pollution in the River Seine threatens the triathlon events. Despite a €1.4 billion investment to clean up the iconic waterway, recent heavy rains have led to unacceptable water quality levels.
Key developments:
- Men's triathlon postponed: Originally scheduled for Tuesday, 30 July, the event has been moved to Wednesday, 31 July at 10:45 am.
- Women's race still on schedule: Set to begin at 8:00 am on Wednesday, 31 July.
- Tight timeline: Both races are subject to water quality tests meeting World Triathlon standards.
- Contingency plans: 2 August remains a reserve day. If water quality doesn't improve, events may be downgraded to duathlons.
- Weather concerns: Thunderstorms forecast for Tuesday afternoon could further complicate matters.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of hosting open-water events in urban environments. Organizers and athletes alike face an anxious wait as they hope for improved conditions in the coming days.
With €1.4 billion invested in Seine cleanup efforts, the inability to host these events as planned would be a significant setback for Paris 2024's environmental initiatives. The world watches as organisers race against time and weather to salvage the Olympic triathlon events.
