Paralympics events postponed due to same athlete safety fears that overshadowed Olympics

Eleven events at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris have been postponed due to the same safety concerns that overshadowed the Olympic Games.

The 2024 Paralympics began on Wednesday, with athletes from around the world meeting in Paris for the 12-day long Games.

However, as was the case at the Olympic Games last month, the triathlon event has been postponed due to safety concerns.

The para triathlon competition has been postponed until Monday because of concerns over the water quality in the River Seine.

11 para triathlon events were scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 1, but World Triathlon Paris 2024 officials and French authorities met at 3.30am that morning and decided to reschedule the competition.

The events will now take place on Monday, September 2, but only if the water quality improves.

World Triathlon described the river as "not suitable for swimming" after tests showed a decrease in water quality following rain over the last two days.

The triathlon was meant to take place over both Sunday and Monday, but organisers moved all events to Sunday due to forecast rain. However, the rain came earlier than anticipated.

The men's triathlon at the Paris Olympics last month was also postponed due to bacteria levels in the River Seine.

The men's Olympic triathlon went ahead after being postponed. [Getty]

A joint statement from Paris 2024 organisers and the triathlon governing body read: "Following a meeting held on 1 September at 3:30am attended by representatives of World Triathlon, Paris 2024 and the relevant French authorities involved in monitoring the conditions of the Seine and the weather, the decision has been taken to postpone the Para triathlon competitions which were due to be held on 1 September.

"The latest tests show a decrease in water quality in the river following the rain episodes over the last two days. As a result, the water quality at the competition venue on Sunday 1 September is not suitable for swimming and above the threshold established by World Triathlon.

"It has been decided to schedule all 11 Para triathlon medal events on 2 September. This is subject to the forthcoming water tests complying with the established World Triathlon thresholds for swimming.

“Paris 2024 and World Triathlon reiterate that their priority is the health of the athletes and with these conditions, the Para triathlon events cannot take place today.

“Information regarding ticketing will be communicated to ticket holders in the coming hours."