Paris Olympics: Seine River Pollution Threatens to Cancel River Swimming Competition

Organisers of the 2024 Paris Olympics are facing a challenge due to the pollution of the Seine River, which has prompted them to cancel triathlon training. According to a joint statement with the International Triathlon Union, “water quality levels do not provide sufficient guarantees” for training to take place, although tests in July indicated that the Seine’s water was clean enough for swimming.

The developments came after heavy rains hit Paris, which led to increased pollution in the Seine River due to the flow of untreated sewage. Organisers said they were "confident" that water quality would improve before the start of the competition on Tuesday, given the weather forecast for the next 48 hours.

The Seine's waters are set to be used for triathlons on August 5 and open-water swimming on August 8 and 9. The French authorities have invested €1.4 billion to improve Paris's sewage system and clean the river.