Seine swim session held after five cancellations

Wednesday’s familiarisation session for marathon swimming in the River Seine has gone ahead despite ongoing concerns over water quality.

The session had been cancelled five times because of pollution in the river.

It provides respite for Paris 2024 organisers after issues with events taking place in the Seine have dogged these Olympics.

The men’s triathlon had to be postponed by a day because of low water quality.

The marathon swimming familiarisation had been cancelled after tests showed levels of bacteria in the water had dropped below the required standard.

Heavy rainfall has increased the levels of bacteria in the Seine, although hot weather helps to reduce the count.

The women’s 10km marathon swimming race is set to take place on Thursday with the men’s on Friday.

If the Seine is deemed unsuitable on the day of marathon swimming, organisers said the 10km races can be moved to Vaires-sur-Marne, east of Paris, where the rowing and canoeing competitions take place.