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Paris cancelled the Olympics test for swimming due to the poor quality of water in the river Seine on August 6, Sunday. The swimming event was going to be the test for next year’s Summer Olympics 2024. However, the organisers said that the waterway will be prepared for a marquee event by the next year. The French Swimming Federation (FEN) released an official statement and explained the reason behind cancelling the Open Water Swimming World Cup.
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The statement by FEN read, "The water quality in the Seine has remained below acceptable standards for safeguarding swimmers' health.” The reason behind falling water quality below acceptable standards is heavy rainfall in the French Capital. The Sports Manager of the Paris Olympics organisation committee Brigitte Legaré said, “Unfortunately, this morning when we took the reading that came out after 24 hours, we were still slightly above the limits. We're not very far."
Not only this, but the World Aquatics President Husain al-Musallam said that though the organisation is disappointed by calling off the tournament, the health of athletes is of top priority. He said, "World Aquatics remains excited at the prospect of city-centre Olympic racing for the world's best open water swimmers next summer. However, this weekend has demonstrated that it is absolutely imperative that robust contingency plans are put in place.”
Notably, the Seine is the venue for the marathon swimming at the Olympics 2024 along with the Paralympic triathlon.
