PARIS – Training for open water swimming at the Paris Olympics was cancelled on Tuesday due to poor water quality in the River Seine — the fifth time organisers have acted to protect athletes’ health.
Organisers issued a statement early Tuesday saying the marathon swimming “familiarisation session” would not go ahead.
“After the daily situation meeting this morning between Ville de Paris, Paris 2024 and World Aquatics, it has been decided that the familiarisation session to take place today, 6 August 2024 is cancelled,” the statement said.
Several triathletes had expressed frustration over the repeated cancellations and uncertainty.
The River Seine was judged clean enough to stage the mixed triathlon relay on Monday following uncertainty over pollution levels and illness in the build-up.
The race turned out to be a thriller, Germany’s Laura Lindemann holding off a fierce challenge from the United States and Britain to take gold.
The women’s 10-kilometre marathon swim is due to take place early Thursday, with the men’s event listed for the following day. – Agency
