Paris Paralympic Triathlon Postponed Due to Seine River Water Quality Concerns

The Paralympic triathlon events in Paris, initially set for Sunday, have been postponed to Monday due to water quality issues in the Seine River caused by heavy rainfall. Rainstorms increased bacteria levels, impacting the city's plans for clean rivers ahead of the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.

The Paralympic triathlon competitions in Paris, originally scheduled for Sunday, have been postponed due to water quality concerns in the Seine River following heavy rainfall, according to organizers.

The 11 para triathlon events are now rescheduled for Monday, contingent on future water quality testing, the Paris 2024 organizing committee and World Triathlon announced jointly.

Heavy rainstorms on Friday and Saturday caused wastewater and runoff to enter the river, elevating bacteria levels, including E. coli.

This postponement marks the second schedule change for the para triathlon events, which were initially planned for both Sunday and Monday, but later consolidated to Sunday due to weather forecasts.

The disruption highlights ongoing challenges in Paris' ambitious plans to clean the Seine ahead of the Olympics and Paralympics this summer. Similar issues have previously delayed other Olympic events and test swims.

Some Olympic triathletes fell ill after swimming in the Seine, although it remains unclear if this was directly linked to the river's water quality.

(With inputs from agencies.)