The men’s triathlon has been postponed until Wednesday after the latest water quality tests were carried out on the River Seine in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Alex Yee had been expected to spearhead GB’s charge for gold in the event but that will now take place at 9.45am BST on Wednesday following the conclusion of the women’s race.
The issue of water quality in the Seine has long overshadowed the build-up to the Paris Olympics with concerns of no back-up plan.
Heavy rain on Friday and Saturday exacerbated the issue while there were also concerns about the water flow in the wake of the excess rainfall.
A statement from Paris Olympic organisers and World Triathlon said: “It has been decided to schedule the men’s triathlon event on July 31 at 10.45 (CEST). The women’s triathlon is due to take place the same day at 8am.
“Both triathlons are subject to the forthcoming water tests complying with the established World Triathlon thresholds for swimming.
“Paris 2024 and World Triathlon reiterate that the priority is the health of the athletes. The tests carried out in the Seine today revealed water quality levels that did not provide sufficient guarantees to allow the event to be held.
“Unfortunately, meteorological events beyond our control, such as the rain which fell over Paris on 26 and 27 July, can alter water quality and compel us to reschedule the event for health reasons.
“Despite the improvement on the water quality levels in the last hours, the readings at some points of the swim course are still above the acceptable limits.”
Officials said there was still the contingency for the men’s race to take place on August 2 should conditions not further improve.
