The World Aquatics Championships women’s open water 10km race at Sentosa was postponed hours before the event was due to begin as water quality levels failed to meet “acceptable thresholds”, the organisers of the event in Singapore released.
Through a media announcement on 15 July, World Aquatics announced that the decision was made in the “utmost interest of athlete safety”.
The race, which was planned for 8am on 15 July, is now scheduled for 10.15am on 16 July.
Two Singaporean swimmers – Chantal Liew and youngster Kate Ona were scheduled to compete.
According to the announcement, the decision followed a review involving representatives from World Aquatics, the Singapore 2025 Organising Committee, the World Aquatics Sports Medicine Committee, and the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming Technical Committee.
“While testing in recent days has consistently shown water quality at the venue to meet World Aquatics’ acceptable thresholds, analysis of samples taken on Jul 13 surpassed these thresholds,” said the sport’s governing body.
“The decision to postpone racing was made in the best interests of athlete health and safety, which remains World Aquatics and the Singapore 2025 Organising Committee’s top priority.”
World Aquatics revealed that subsequent samples and water quality review sessions will take place.
“World Aquatics regrets the inconvenience caused by the postponement and acknowledges the commitment and preparation of all athletes, coaches, and teams,” said the world body.
Social media comments on the World Aquatics social media pages have been brutal.
CNA also added in its report that some of the water polo matches have seen poor attendances.
The Championships feature the six sports: swimming, water polo, diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming and high diving and will go on till 3 August.
This is the first time the sporting event has been hosted by a Southeast Asian nation.
MAIN PHOTO: WORLD AQUATICS