Water quality in Seine river not up to standard, Paris Olympic swimming test event canceled
Release time: 19:31, August 7, 2023 Source: China News Network
On August 6, the World Swimming Federation (FINA) announced that the water quality in the Seine River was below acceptable standards, leading to the cancellation of the 10km race. This decision has raised concerns about the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. In response, FINA expressed their commitment to working with the Paris Olympic Organizing Committee and the Paris government to implement necessary measures and ensure contingency plans are in place for next year’s Olympic Games.
Earlier, on August 4, the training segment of the Paris Olympic swimming test competition had to be canceled due to the same pollution issue. The competition scheduled for the following day was also postponed until August 6. However, despite efforts to improve the water quality, it failed to meet the required standards, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the test event.
The Paris Olympic Organizing Committee released a statement attributing the pollution to heavy rainfall, causing the sewage system to backflow and contaminate the Seine River. They assured the public that measures will be taken to prevent a similar incident from happening during the Olympic Games. Paris is currently constructing large cisterns to store rainwater, aiming to avoid future pollution incidents. Additionally, the Paris Olympic Organizing Committee emphasized their commitment to intensifying measures to enhance the protection of the Olympic open water competitions.
This issue has sparked concerns among athletes, spectators, and officials as water quality is a crucial aspect of any aquatic sports event. The cancellation of the swimming test event raises questions about the feasibility of hosting swimming competitions in the Seine River during the Olympic Games. The Paris Olympic Organizing Committee will undoubtedly face increased pressure to ensure that the water quality meets acceptable standards before the Games commence.
As preparations continue for the Tokyo 2024 Olympic Games, this setback serves as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities associated with hosting such a large-scale international event. The Paris Olympic Organizing Committee must prioritize the health and safety of participants while addressing environmental concerns in order to deliver a successful and memorable Olympic Games.
Editor in charge: [Ji Xiang]
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