As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach, concerns are mounting over the potential postponement of the triathlon Mixed Relay event due to ongoing water quality issues in the River Seine. This iconic waterway, a centerpiece of the Games, has been the focus of a $1.5 billion cleanup initiative aimed at ensuring it is safe for swimming. However, recent heavy rains in Paris have once again raised questions about the safety of the river.
Last week, the men’s individual triathlon was delayed by 24 hours due to the same water quality concerns. Despite the setback, both the men’s and women’s individual races ultimately proceeded on Wednesday, with thrilling competitions that were hailed as major successes. Nonetheless, with more rain falling toward the end of the week, water quality issues have resurfaced, casting a shadow over the upcoming Mixed Relay event.
The Mixed Relay is scheduled for Monday at 08:00 local time, but the situation remains precarious. Reports indicate that training swims planned for Saturday and Sunday were canceled due to concerns about water conditions. Organizers have expressed hope that the weather will improve in time for the race, but the situation is being closely monitored.
On Saturday evening, a statement from the organizers revealed that the conditions were not expected to improve sufficiently for the swim familiarization session. As a result, the session was canceled to avoid last-minute disruptions for the athletes. The statement read: “We are expecting an improvement on the conditions in the next hours, but not to a level to which the swim familiarisation planned for tomorrow can take place.”
A critical decision regarding the Mixed Relay will be made at around 04:00 local time on Monday, based on the latest water quality readings. If the readings fail to meet the required standards, the race may be postponed by 24 hours to Tuesday, August 6, still at 08:00 local time. Should the water quality remain unsuitable on Tuesday, the race might be converted to a duathlon format, which would replace the swim with an additional run, creating a run-bike-run scenario.
The uncertainty surrounding the Mixed Relay has left athletes and fans anxiously awaiting updates, with the hope that the weather will cooperate and the original schedule can be maintained.
