The Paris 2024 Olympic Games Organising Committee has expressed optimism that the triathlon will take place tomorrow morning. The Games’ sports director, Aurélie Merle, said that although bacteria levels in the Seine are slightly above the permitted limits this morning, the weather forecast is favourable. They are therefore confident that the men’s race, scheduled for 9.45am, can take place after the women’s race, scheduled for 7am.
Ms Merle explained that further tests would be carried out tomorrow morning to ensure that water quality levels were within the necessary standards. She pointed out that recent weather conditions, in particular the heavy rainfall on 26 and 27 July, had affected the water in the Seine, forcing other competitions, such as the skateboarding, to be postponed. A final decision will be taken at 4am, depending on how the water parameters improve.
With regard to the presence of Escherichia coli, Merle said that the results varied between 980 and 1553, with some samples below and others above the ideal limit of 1000. However, given the improved weather conditions, the committee remains optimistic.
Marisol Casado, President of the Triathlon Federation, also said that, although everyone was disappointed about the possible adjustment to the calendar, the team was working with experts to find the best solution and ensure that the competition could take place as planned.