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.
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.
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