Paralympic triathlon events are postponed because of poor water quality in Seine River

PARIS — Paralympic triathlon competitions in Paris scheduled for Sunday have been postponed because of concerns about water quality in the Seine River after heavy rainfall, organizers said.

The 11 para triathlon events are now scheduled for Monday, if upcoming water testing allows, the Paris 2024 organizing committee and World Triathlon said in a joint statement.

This photo taken on Sept. 1, 2024 shows the Seine River from the Alexandre III bridge after the cancellation of the para-triathlon competition. AFP via Getty Images
Paralympic triathlon competitions on Sunday were postponed due to water quality concerns. AFP via Getty Images

Rainstorms hit the French capital Friday and Saturday. Heavy rains cause wastewater and runoff to flow into the river, leading to a rise in bacteria levels including E. Coli.

This is the second scheduled change for the para-triathlon events.

They had initially been scheduled to take place over two days, Sunday and Monday, but were moved to Sunday because of rain forecasts.

The para triathlon events are now scheduled for Monday. Getty Images

The disruption is another hiccup for the city’s efforts to clean up the river for future public swimming, one of Paris’ most ambitious promises ahead of hosting the Olympics and Paralympics this summer.

The men’s individual triathlon event during the Paris Olympics was delayed and several test swims were canceled because of high E. coli levels after rainfall.

Some Olympic triathletes fell ill after swimming in the Seine, though it is unclear whether that was linked to the river water.

You May Also Like

New footage from Bali helicopter shows moment Aussie parents crashed after plunging 300metres

By NICHOLAS COMINO Published: 01:52 EDT, 2 August 2025 | Updated: 02:26…

Fate of parents accused of attempting to murder daughter outside American school in ‘honor killing’ revealed

A Washington couple accused of trying to strangle their teenage daughter in…

E-rideables may soon be illegal on public transport

As fires caused by e-bikes are becoming more common by the week,…

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll Brennan and Mr John Hyde

Hmmm. I don’t know if anyone else has noticed this yet,…