Paris 2024 swim session canceled due to pollution in Seine

For the fifth time, pollution in the River Seine has forced the cancellation of an open-water swimming session for Paris 2024. The men’s race was also postponed.

Fifth cancellation due to pollution

The organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympics have canceled the open-water swim training session for the fifth time due to pollution in the River Seine. This follows the postponement of the men’s race by a day. The latest cancellation occurred a day after the triathlon’s mixed-team relay event.

All triathlon swim legs have been held in the Seine, which is also slated for marathon swimming events. Recent tests revealed that while enterococci bacteria levels had improved, escherichia coli levels remained acceptable but concerning. A familiarisation session is planned for Wednesday, with the women’s 10km race on Thursday and the men’s race on Friday.

Organizers’ response

Paris 2024 Spokesperson Anne Descamps expressed confidence in proceeding with the events, citing weather conditions as a favorable factor. Heavy rainfall has elevated bacteria levels, but hot weather is expected to mitigate the issue.

If the Seine remains unsuitable, marathon swimming may be relocated to Vaires-sur-Marne, east of Paris, where rowing and canoeing events are held.

Impact on athletes

Belgium withdrew from the Olympic mixed relay triathlon after one of their athletes, Claire Michel, fell ill following the women’s triathlon, finishing 38th. While Belgian media speculated about escherichia coli infection, the Belgian team clarified that Michel had not contracted the bacteria. However, they could not definitively link her illness to the Seine’s water quality.

Swiss athlete Adrien Briffod also suffered a stomach infection, preventing him from competing in the mixed relay. Team GB’s Alex Yee, along with Georgia Taylor-Brown, Sam Dickinson, and Beth Potter, competed in the mixed relay on Monday despite requests for a delay.

Ongoing water quality issues

The Seine’s water quality has been a significant concern throughout the Games. Prior to the events, daily water quality tests were conducted. The river, historically banned for swimming due to pollution, has seen substantial investment to ensure safety, with about $1.5 billion spent on clean-up efforts.

Despite these efforts, heavy rain during the Olympics’ opening weekend caused a decline in water quality. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo highlighted the clean-up initiatives by swimming in the river recently. However, ongoing pollution issues have led to multiple event cancellations and athlete health concerns.