Paris 2024 organizers have announced the cancellation of the marathon swimming familiarization event scheduled for Tuesday. The decision comes ahead of the women's marathon swimming event set to take place on Thursday, followed by the men's event on the subsequent day in the River Seine.
The specific reason for calling off the training session was not disclosed in the statement issued by the organizers on Tuesday. However, they assured that further information would be provided later in the day.
This is not the first instance of training sessions being scrapped in the Seine since the commencement of the Games. Familiarization events for both men's and women's triathlon, as well as the mixed triathlon relay race, were also canceled due to concerns over the river's water quality levels.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has reiterated that the Seine is clean and safe for swimming. She dismissed claims to the contrary as 'nonsense' and emphasized the positive impact of having a decontaminated river for recreational activities.
Despite the reassurances from local authorities, Team USA triathlete Morgan Pearson highlighted the importance of investing in ensuring clean water for athletes. Pearson suggested that more efforts could have been made to guarantee water safety levels, indicating a need for innovative solutions in addressing environmental concerns.
The developments in Paris serve as a reminder of the significance of environmental sustainability and water quality management in sporting events. As preparations continue for the marathon swimming events at the River Seine, stakeholders are urged to prioritize the well-being of athletes and spectators by addressing any potential risks associated with water quality.
