With improved water quality in the Seine River, Olympic triathlon races finally go ahead; Japan is represented by Takahashi, Nener and Odakura

The water quality of the River Seine has improved enough for the Olympic triathlon competitions to finally take place on Wednesday, organisers said. The waterway will be used for the swimming leg of the competition.

The women’s individual event started at 8:00 am, with the men’s competition following at 10:45 am.

The river swim training was cancelled on Sunday and Monday due to deteriorating water quality after rainfall. The men’s individual event, originally scheduled for Tuesday, has been moved to Wednesday.

Japan is represented by Yuko Takahashi in the women’s race and Kenji Nener and Makoto Odakura in the men’s race. Nener finished seventh in the world championships held in Yokohama on May 11, the best result among Japanese triathletes.