PARIS: Training for open water swimming at the Paris Olympics was cancelled today due to poor water quality in the River Seine -- the fifth time organisers have acted to protect athletes' health.
The first four occasions were related to triathlon events in the French capital, with the men's triathlon postponed by a day.
The Seine has been the focus of attention during the Games, consistently failing water quality tests despite a €1.4 billion upgrade to improve the Paris sewerage and water treatment systems.
Organisers issued a statement early today saying the marathon swimming "familiarisation session" would not go ahead.
"After the daily situation meeting this morning between Ville de Paris, Paris 2024 and World Aquatics, it has been decided that the familiarisation session to take place today, Aug 6, 2024, is cancelled," the statement said.
Several triathletes had expressed frustration over the repeated cancellations and uncertainty.
The River Seine was judged clean enough to stage the mixed triathlon relay yesterday following uncertainty over pollution levels and illness in the build-up.
The race turned out to be a thriller, Germany's Laura Lindemann holding off a fierce challenge from the United States and Britain to take gold.
The women's 10km marathon swim is due to take place tomorrow, with the men's event listed for the following day.