Paris Olympics: swimming test event axed over sewage in Seine – while Australian triathlete slams UK sea after 57 fall ill
- Overflowing sewers in Paris force cancellation of test race, with World Aquatics saying water is ‘below acceptable standards for safeguarding swimmers’ health’
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The pre-Olympics swimming test competition due to take place on Sunday in the Seine in Paris was cancelled because of pollution in the latest water sample analysis, the international swimming federation said.
Following heavy rainfall, “water quality in the Seine has remained below acceptable standards for safeguarding swimmers’ health”, World Aquatics said in a statement on Sunday.
“Based on this weekend, it is clear that further work is needed with Paris 2024 and local authorities to ensure robust contingency plans are in place for next year.”
Training had already been cancelled on Friday, and the women’s race was postponed from Saturday to Sunday in the hope that the water quality would improve.
Heavy rain for the past week has caused Paris’ sewers to overflow and pollute the Seine.
“World Aquatics is disappointed that water quality in the Seine has resulted in the cancellation of the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup, but the health of our athletes must always be our top priority,” World Aquatics president Husain Al Musallam said.