Heavy rain in Paris forced the cancellation of the Open Water Swimming World Cup event in the River Seine, a test for the upcoming Olympic Games. The French Swimming Federation (FFN) cited the water quality below acceptable standards, which occurs when untreated waste overflows into the river during storms. Paris is investing heavily in water-management projects to reduce pollution.
French Swimming Federation head Gilles Sezionale expressed disappointment for the athletes, who were hoping to compete in such a beautiful location. World Aquatics’ president, Husain al-Musallam, emphasized the priority of athletes’ health and the importance of robust contingency plans.
The Seine is the venue for marathon swimming and the swimming leg of the Olympic and Paralympic triathlon during the 2024 Games. Paris 2024 organizers and authorities stated that recent progress has improved water quality for competitions.
Water quality will be closely monitored for the upcoming test event in August, and new infrastructure will further enhance rainwater treatment by 2024. Public works, including a giant underground reservoir, aim to stock excess water during storms to prevent untreated spills into the river.
Paris authorities assure that they can adjust the Olympic event schedule if water quality does not permit events to take place on their original dates.They attributed the recent exceptional weather to the heaviest summer rainfalls since 1965.
The recent news highlights the importance of safeguarding athletes’ health in open-water swimming events after 57 people fell ill in sea swimming events at the World Triathlon Championship Series in Sunderland.