Search
shop

Paralympics Paratriathlon races POSTPONED as River Seine water quality STILL NOT GOOD ENOUGH at Paris 2024

The River Seine is causing yet more mayhem at Paris 2024 with water quality still not up to scratch.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

The paratriathlon races at the Paris 2024 Paralympics have been postponed due to sub-standard water quality in the River Seine.

Despite a much-vaunted $1.5bn cleanup project to make the iconic waterway swimmable once again after a century, that water quality STILL remains a major issue.

At the Olympic Games in July the men’s individual race was postponed for one day due to water quality issues, while swim familiarisations were cancelled.

Advertisement

Paralympics hit by Seine water quality

And now it is the Paralympians struggling with the uncertainty of whether they are going to be able to race, and if they are, whether it will be a duathlon or a triathlon. Last year’s Paralympics Test Event ended up being the latter.

A few days ago we got the news that the races – planned to be split between Sunday September 1 and September 2 – would all be moved to September 1 (today) because of fears around water quality.

And this morning (Sunday September 1) we got the sad news that the new plan had also been scuppered, and now all races will be held on Monday (September 2). The reason given by organisers – yet again – is that recent rain has caused a deterioration in water quality.

Official statement

A statement read: “Following a meeting held on 1 September at 3:30 am attended by representatives of World Triathlon, Paris 2024 and the relevant French authorities involved in monitoring the conditions of the Seine and the weather, the decision has been taken to postpone the Para triathlon competitions which were due to be held on 1 September.

“The latest tests show a decrease in water quality in the river following the rain episodes over the last two days. As a result, the water quality at the competition venue on Sunday 1 September is not suitable for swimming and above the threshold established by World Triathlon. It has been decided to schedule all 11 Para triathlon medal events on 2 September. This is subject to the forthcoming water tests complying with the established World Triathlon thresholds for swimming.

“Paris 2024 and World Triathlon reiterate that their priority is the health of the athletes and with these conditions, the Para triathlon events cannot take place today. 

“Information regarding ticketing will be communicated to ticket holders in the coming hours.”

There are 11 Paratriathlon races in total, and all will now – water quality permitting – be held on Monday September 2. There is of course though the dreaded spectre of the duathlon looming. The initial schedule for competition also included a contingency day – which is Tuesday September 3.

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 navigation and colour display
Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 GPS bike computer review
Best triathlon swim courses – our top 10 triathlons for an epic start to race day
triathlon swimming open water
“Triathletes shouldn’t kick during the swim” and other triathlon swimming myths- BUSTED by an expert swim coach
SunGod FORTY2s running sunglasses review
First look at the NEW SunGod FORTY2s running sunglasses – TRI247 Review
Gustav Iden aero position body rocket
How to get better at holding your time trial position – Expert tips from former PRO time trial cyclist Alex Dowsett
latest News
IRONMAN Cairns
IRONMAN Cairns 2025: WATCH LIVE as Australia hosts Pro Series blockbuster
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
T100 Vancouver results: Taylor Knibb is BACK as US superstar roars to blistering victory
Jelle Geens T100 Triathlon Vancouver Finish Line
T100 Vancouver results: Belgium dominates as Noodt and Smith pay the penalty
T100 Vancouver 2025: Watch again as Knibb and Geens claim brilliant triathlon wins
ST GEORGE, UTAH - MAY 07: Ruth Astle of Great Britain competes on the bike during the 2021 IRONMAN World Championships on May 07, 2022 in St George, Utah. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
IRONMAN World Championship agony for British triathlon star as Kona 2025 dream is over
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...