Paralympic triathlon events postponed in Paris due to Seine water quality

Paralympic triathlon competitions in Paris have been postponed due to concerns over the Seine River's water quality following heavy rainfall. The events, originally set for Sunday, have been rescheduled for Monday, contingent on the results of upcoming water testing. Rainstorms on Friday and Saturday caused wastewater and runoff to enter the river, increasing bacteria levels, including E. coli, prompting the decision to delay the events as a precautionary measure. Paris Deputy Mayor Pierre Rabadan indicated that the decision was made out of an abundance of caution, emphasizing the importance of scientific results over personal confidence in the water quality. This postponement marks the second change to the schedule for the para triathlon events, which were initially planned for two days but were moved to Sunday due to rain forecasts. The situation reflects ongoing challenges faced by the city in its efforts to improve the Seine's water quality for future public swimming, a key promise made ahead of the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics. Previous events, including the men's individual triathlon during the Olympics, faced similar disruptions due to high E. coli levels, raising concerns about athlete safety. Despite these setbacks, Rabadan expressed optimism about the future of athletic events in the Seine, stating that competitions will continue beyond the Paralympics. He reassured that the water quality is expected to improve, allowing for safe events, which he views as a significant legacy of the games.