Olympic organizers have postponed the men’s triathlon race due to unsafe swimming conditions in the Seine River in Paris. The city spent $1.5 billion to clean up the river, but contamination levels remain high. E. coli spikes at various points in the river, particularly after rainstorms, posing health risks to athletes. Unsafe levels of fecal matter can cause gastrointestinal disease, and sunlight is needed to deactivate bacteria, making sunny conditions crucial. Ongoing rain has affected water quality, leading to the cancellation of swim training and the rescheduling of the triathlon event. The forecast for scattered thunderstorms further complicates the situation, potentially affecting other events like the mixed relay triathlon and marathon swimming. Despite efforts to clean up the river, skepticism remains about its safety for competition. Previous tests and independent results showed contamination levels exceeding permitted limits, raising concerns about the health risks for athletes. The ceremonial swim by Paris officials to showcase the river’s cleanliness occurred during unsafe conditions. NBC News has reported on the ongoing challenges with water quality in the Seine River as the city prepares to host the 2024 Olympics.
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