Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and President of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Organizing Committee Tony Estanguet swim in the Seine to demonstrate that the river is clean enough to host the outdoor swimming events at the Paris Olympics, in Paris, France, July 17, 2024. /Reuters
The first training session for triathletes at the Paris Olympics was scrapped on Sunday due to pollution in the River Seine, organizers said.
Following a meeting "on the water quality" and tests, "a joint decision was taken to cancel the swimming part of the triathlon orientation," a Paris 2024 and World Triathlon statement said.
The River Seine was declared clean enough for swimming in tests from mid-July, but doubts remained as to whether the waters would be fit for competition.
"Paris 2024 and World Triathlon reiterate that the priority is the health of the athletes. The analysis carried out yesterday in the Seine showed water quality levels that... do not present sufficient guarantees to allow the event to take place," the statement said.
Organizers blamed rain in recent days and said they were "confident" water quality would improve enough before the triathlon competition is due to start on July 30.
In the event of heavy rain, untreated sewage can be washed into the river.
If the quality is below standards, a "Plan B" involves postponing the events for a few days or moving the swimming to Vaires-sur-Marne, on the Marne river east of Paris.
On July 17, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo swam in the Seine along with Paris 2024 chief organizer Tony Estanguet.