If River Seine’s water quality is impacted by significant rain, the swimming leg of the triathlon at this summer’s Olympics may be canceled. This is according to Tony Estanguet, the president of Paris Olympics 2024. He admitted: “We knew it will be a big challenge.”
The nonprofit Surfrider Foundation Europe conducted tests recently that showed “alarming” external levels of E. Coli in the river. According to Estanguet, backup measures have been made, such as postponing the event until later in the Games.
According to Surfrider Foundation Europe, fourteen water samples that were collected in the vicinity of the Alexandre III Bridge—where the triathlon, marathon swimming, and para-triathlon events begin—did not satisfy safety regulations.
More so, in the days preceding the Olympic events, a lot of rain may increase the amount of germs in the water.
Water safety issues
In an effort to lower the dangers of pollution, organizers say that a regeneration project worth roughly 1.4 billion euros (£1.2 billion) is being funded. The project includes the construction of a rainwater storage basin.
Philippe Estanguet declared during a speech at Sport Accord in Birmingham, as first reported by the Guardian: “We can postpone for rainy conditions. Because it’s programmed at the beginning of the Games, we can wait for better conditions. So we are confident that it will be possible to use the Seine.”
He added: “And there is a final decision where we could not swim – it’s part of the rules of the International Federation. It’s what we want to avoid, of course.”
The men’s and women’s triathlons are set for July 30 and July 31, respectively, and the mixed event for August 5. The Olympics begin on July 26.
Cover Photo: IG
Source: BBC