Paris forced to cancel Olympics test event after water quality found to be too low
- Planet Sport writer
- 6 August 2023
World Aquatics pulled the plug on a Paris Olympics test event after water quality tests of the River Seine revealed it to be very poor.
World Aquatics has cancelled an Olympics test event in Paris because of the poor water quality in the River Seine.
The Open Water Swimming World Cup event was scrapped less than 12 months out from the Paris Olympics, which are due to set on July 26 next year.
"Following recent above-average rainfall in Paris, the water quality in the Seine has remained below acceptable standards for safeguarding swimmers' health," World Aquatics said in a statement.
"Consequently, World Aquatics, in consultation with public health authorities and event delivery partners, has cancelled the Open Water Swimming World Cup planned for this weekend."
World Aquatics said it understands further infrastructure projects will be completed to "significantly improve" water quality in the Seine before the Olympics.
It said: "World Aquatics remains excited at the prospect of city-centre Olympic racing for the world's best open water swimmers next summer.
"Based on this weekend, it is clear that further work is needed with Paris 2024 and local authorities to ensure robust contingency plans are in place for next year."
World Aquatics president Husain Al-Musallam said the organisation was "disappointed" by the cancellation, but added: "The health of our athletes must always be our top priority."
