Olympic test event cancelled
World Aquatics has canceled a test event at the Paris Olympics due to poor water quality in the Seine. The Open Water Swimming World Cup event has been canceled less than 12 months before the Paris Olympics. “After recent above-average rainfall in Paris, the water quality in the Seine has remained below acceptable standards to safeguard the health of swimmers,” World Aquatics said in a statement. “As a result, World Aquatics, in consultation with public health authorities and event delivery partners, has canceled this weekend’s Open Water Swimming World Cup.”
World Aquatics said it understands further infrastructure projects will be completed to “significantly improve” the water quality in the Seine ahead of the Olympics. World Aquatics remains excited at the prospect of the city center Olympic competitions for the best open water swimmers in the world next summer. Based on this weekend, it is clear that further work with Paris 2024 and local authorities is needed to ensure robust contingency plans for next year.”
World Aquatics president Husain Al-Musallam said the organization was “disappointed” by the cancellation, but added: “The health of our athletes must always be our top priority.”
Source-www.adnkronos.com