The men’s Olympic triathlon in Paris was postponed just hours before it was scheduled to start due to high pollution levels in the Seine River. Organisers cited heavy rain as the reason for rescheduling the event for health reasons. Team GB’s Alex Yee and Beth Potter, favourites for the men’s and women’s race, are now waiting anxiously to see if water quality improves for the rescheduled race on Wednesday. There is also a risk of thunder and lightning in the forecast which could further complicate the event.
Organisers stated that the decision to postpone the triathlon was made following a 3.30am meeting and water quality test, with various stakeholders including Paris 2024, World Triathlon, and the International Olympic Committee. The men’s race has been rescheduled for 10.45am on Wednesday, following the conclusion of the women’s race at 8am. The original contingency day for further considerations is set for August 2.
Swimming in the Seine has been banned for over a century, but renovations in recent years have aimed to make the river cleaner for the Olympics and for Parisians to swim in afterwards. However, heavy rain has led to high levels of sewage and E Coli in the river, prompting the postponement of the triathlon.
Organisers said they would provide more information regarding tickets and broadcast of the rescheduled events in the next hours. The priority remains the health of the athletes, and further water tests will determine if the triathlons can proceed as planned on Wednesday.
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