Para Triathlon swim scuppered in Paris as River Seine water quality under microscope again

The World Triathlon Para Cup Paris races were switched to Duathlon format on Saturday with the water quality in the River Seine hitting the headlines once again.

The Elite Women and Men had been able to swim in the Seine for the Olympic Test Event on Thursday and Friday, with organisers breathing a heavy sigh of relief following the adverse publicity which followed the recent cancellation of the Open Water Swimming World Cup.

But, one year out from the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games – and on the back of that billion-Euro cleanup operation to get the Seine swimmable again – those concerns returned early on Saturday.

With water tests being monitored constantly and a 4am local time cutoff for a final decision on the swim, World Triathlon released the following statement:

World Triathlon on Paris swim KO

“At the daily meeting to review water quality earlier today at 330am, with representatives from World Triathlon, including the three Technical Delegates and the Medical Delegate, Paris 2024, the City of Paris and the public authorities, we have observed a significant discrepancy between the latest water quality tests provided by the laboratory and the high frequency sample analysers.

“Considering this discrepancy, and not to put the health and safety of the athletes at risk, the decision has been made to cancel all swim activities planned for today. The Para triathlon competition will be contested on a Duathlon format, starting at the scheduled time.

“Paris 2024, the City of Paris and the public authorities are investigating the data discrepancy and will share more details as soon as more information is available.”