The organizing committee for the Paris Olympics has unveiled contingency measures for open water competitions amidst safety concerns over elevated E. coli levels detected in the Seine River in recent weeks. Originally slated to occur in the Seine, the triathlon and marathon events could be postponed beyond their scheduled dates of July 30th to August 5th if conditions fail to improve.
“The potential for unseasonal weather events requires us to be cautious,” – Paris Olympics organizing committee
There is also consideration to alter the triathlon into a duathlon by omitting the swimming portion, while discussions are underway regarding the potential relocation of the marathon swimming competition to the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium in the greater Paris region, to ensure the safety of participants.
Recent improvements in water quality have been noted in the Seine following sunnier and warmer weather conditions in recent days, offering cautious optimism for the events proceeding as planned.
