Paralympic Games 2024: Seine Water Quality Issues Resurface For Para Triathletes In Paris

Concerns over water quality in the Seine River resurfaced at the Paralympic Games when organisers changed the schedule for para triathlon races

Associated Press

Updated on: 30 August 2024 1:06 pm

The Seine River flows in front of the Pont Alexandre III bridge in Paris. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Concerns over water quality in the Seine River resurfaced at the Paralympic Games when organizers changed the schedule for para triathlon races. (Full Paralympics Coverage|More Sports News)

All 11 medal events are to be held on one day, Sept. 1, instead of two as originally planned, Paris 2024 organizers said in a statement.

“The decision to hold all medal events on one day was taken in view of the weather forecast and to provide athletes and coaches with as much certainty as possible.

"The course of the swim remains unchanged,” organisers said.

Water quality in the Seine River was also a major issue at the Olympics.

Bacteria levels in the long-polluted Paris waterway fluctuate constantly depending on weather.

Ducks swim along the Seine River in front of the Eiffel Tower during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris. As the Olympics continue in Paris, the Seine River's water quality remains a major area of concern for officials. Organizers of the triathlon event cancelled swimming practice on Monday for the second day in a row because of poor water quality. Event organizers hope sunny weather will make swimming viable on Tuesday when the triathlon begins. - (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Paris Olympics 2024, Triathlon At Seine Begins: Athletes Prepare To Swim In River Amid Water Quality Concerns

BY Associated Press

Heavy rains cause wastewater and runoff to flow into the river, causing bacteria levels to rise.

The organisers said the river's water quality and flow will continue to be monitored each day and that decisions on preparatory swims for para triathletes to train over the next couple of days, and on the morning of Sept. 1, will be made before each event.

Organisers said events can be pushed back to Sept. 2 and 3 “if needed.”