PARIS, July 30 – The men’s triathlon at the Paris Olympics has been postponed to Wednesday due to high pollution levels in the Seine River. The race, originally scheduled for Tuesday, will now take place at 10:45 a.m. (0845 GMT) on Wednesday, immediately following the women’s event.
World Triathlon announced the postponement, citing that despite recent improvements, water quality remains above acceptable limits. Heavy rains last Friday and Saturday contributed to the pollution, impacting the river’s water quality.
Organizers stressed that athlete health is the top priority. If water quality does not improve by Wednesday morning, both the men’s and women’s races may be further delayed to Friday, the designated contingency day. Should conditions remain unsuitable by then, the swim portion might be replaced with a duathlon.
The mixed triathlon relay event on August 5 also has a contingency day of August 6.
Paris authorities, who invested 1.4 billion euros ($1.51 billion) in wastewater infrastructure, have pledged to improve the Seine’s swimmability as a key legacy of the Games. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo even swam in the river earlier this month to demonstrate its safety.
However, water quality can fluctuate daily, especially after rain, which raises bacteria levels such as E. coli. U.S. triathlete Seth Rider noted that he had prepared for potential bacterial exposure by gradually increasing his tolerance to E. coli.
The Olympic triathlon course is designed to showcase Paris’s landmarks, with athletes swimming near the Alexandre III bridge, cycling past the Musée d’Orsay and Grand Palais, and finishing with the Invalides monument in view.
