The Paralympic triathlon competitions in Paris scheduled for Sunday have been postponed to Monday due to concerns about water quality in the Seine River following heavy rainfall. This decision was made out of precaution after heavy rainstorms led to an increase in bacteria levels, including E. Coli. Organizers awaited new test results before confirming that the races would take place on Monday. This delay is the second change to the schedule for the para triathlon events, which were initially set to be held over two days.
The disruption caused by the water quality issue is another setback to Paris’ efforts to clean up the river for future public swimming, a major promise ahead of hosting the Olympics and Paralympics this summer. Despite challenges with water quality, organizers remain committed to hosting athletic events in the river beyond the Paralympics, citing the positive feedback from athletes and the improving water quality as reasons to continue. Although some athletes who participated in Olympic swimming competitions in the Seine fell ill afterwards, these illnesses were not directly linked to the water quality. The city remains optimistic about the future of holding competitions in the river, emphasizing the potential legacy of the games for continued use of the waterway for sporting events.
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