Tokyo 2020 Paratriathlon Swimming was Cancelled after tests showed levels of E. coli more than double the acceptable standard.
The swimming section of a para-triathlon examination event for Tokyo 2020 was terminated on Saturday due to high levels of microorganisms in the water. This is the latest development from the event, which has faced a series of difficulties over water quality and high-temperature standards.
Olympic organizers have actually won great appreciation for their preparation, but extreme summer conditions and inadequate water quality have actually brought many roadblocks at the practice events. With less than a years time to go until the opening game, the International Triathlon Union (ITU) canceled the swimming section after examinations showed levels of E. coli more than double the acceptable standard.
The 70 para triathletes instead competed in a duathlon format with two runs and a bike race.
Shinichiro Otsuka, managing director of Japan’s Triathlon Union, said that he was sorry for the athletes as the management could not prepare the competition conditions adequately due to which the Tokyo 2020 Paratriathlon Swimming test was canceled. He said that his team would take adequate steps to make the event a success.
Clare Cunningham Former British paralympic triathlete
tweeted that Saturday’s decision to abridge the race was a significant setback for the para triathletes adding that it was disappointing for all.Recently, French triathlete Cassandre Beaugrand was taken to the hospital for suspected heatstroke. After this, the women’s triathlon run was cut short due to extreme heat in Tokyo on Thursday. More such cases of the para triathletes falling sick have been reported due to the extreme heatwave and weather conditions.
Competitors at Tokyo 2020 Paratriathlon Swimming swimming test event on Sunday complained of smelly water and high water temperature at Odaiba Bay, the location for long-distance swimming and triathlon.
Organizers of the Tokyo 2020 Paratriathlon are desperate to avoid the embarrassment of the 2016 Olympics in Rio when the pool used for diving events turned an unsettling shade of green overnight.
In October 2017, Tokyo 2020 organizers were shocked after the tests revealed that the levels of E. coli were more than 20 times higher than international standards, sparking doubts about the venue’s safety.
Organizers said that tests using underwater “screens” to filter the water had successfully reduced bacteria levels at the venue.
Masa Takaya Tokyo 2020 Paratriathlon spokesperson said that the team would do their best to prepare a safe environment for the events which are scheduled to take place next year.
