Today’s race was supposed to have already started: 56 men would swim 1,500 meters in the River Seine, then get on their bikes for a tough 40 kilometers, before jogging another 10 kilometers to finish the race.

But, as feared for months, the Seine is too dirty for the race to take place.

Officials met earlier today and the water was tested and It was decided to postpone the men’s event until Wednesday 6:45pm AEST.

“The women’s triathlon will take place the same day at 8am. Both triathlons are subject to the upcoming water tests that meet the established World Triathlon thresholds for swimming. There remains an emergency day of 2nd August,” an official statement said.

“Paris 2024 and the World Triathlon stress that their priority is the health of the athletes. The tests carried out today in the Seine showed a water quality that did not provide sufficient guarantees for the event to take place.”

According to organizers, last week’s rainfall has significantly deteriorated water quality and, despite some improvements, the water still does not meet safe standards.