The water in the Seine has been causing problems for triathletes for days. However, after several training sessions were cancelled, the mixed relay is now scheduled to take place as planned.
The triathletes can compete in their mixed relay at the Olympic Games as planned on Monday. After the water values of the Seine delivered unsatisfactory results in recent days, the latest tests allow the competition to take place. The organizers announced this on the evening before the start of the race, according to the AP news agency.
The water quality of the Seine is said to have improved in the last few hours and is now within the limits accepted by the world association.
Belgian absent due to illness
Belgian Claire Michel will not be taking part due to illness. “Claire Michel, a member of the relay team, is unfortunately ill and has to withdraw from the competition,” announced the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (COIB) and the Belgian Triathlon Association.
According to Belgian media reports, the 35-year-old athlete is said to have been infected with a bacterium and was treated in hospital. Michel competed in the women’s individual event on Wednesday and finished in 38th place. The swimming competition took place in the Seine, whose water quality has been heavily criticized. The men’s triathlon was only able to take place one day late.
At the weekend, two swimming training sessions were cancelled in the large Paris river, where the first of three disciplines are located. The reason for this was the water quality and, among other things, the concentration of coliform bacteria. If this is too high, then swimming is not possible for health reasons according to the rules of the world association.
Rain causes problems
According to the Olympic organizers, the limit had been exceeded repeatedly in recent days. Last Wednesday, tests showed that women and men could compete in their respective competitions. Now they are lucky again.
Recently, repeated rain showers have fallen over the French capital. Rainfall generally causes a river to become dirtier. The postponements led to criticism of the planning and organization of the event in the middle of Paris.
In addition to the triathletes, the open water swimmers will also be competing on the stretch of the Seine. However, the rowing course would also be available to them as an alternative location.
Source: Stern
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