Trial runs were conducted in triathlon and archery for next year’s Olympics and Paralympics, giving organisers, athletes and International Federations the chance to try out the venues that will be used for the Games.

Archery and Para archery competitions were held on the Esplanade des Invalides, while triathlon and Para triathlon events took place around the Pont Alexandre III.

Friday (August 18) saw triathletes use the Seine for the first time since 2012 only for World Triathlon to pull the plug on the swimming segment of both the Para triathlon test event and mixed relay competition and instead opted for a duathlon format.

World Triathlon ruled that a "significant discrepancy" in the analysis of the quality of the water led to the decision, leading to an investigation by Paris 2024 and public authorities.

It was the latest blow to organisers after an Open Water Swimming World Cup competition, which was also a Paris 2024 test even, was cancelled by World Aquatics due to pollution concerns.

Paris 2024 have issued a statement reflecting on the recent test events where they insist that they "proved positive generally" aside from the data discrepancies in the quality of the water.  

"The simultaneous organisation of the triathlon and Para triathlon test events at the Pont Alexandre III, and the World Archery World Cup at Les Invalides, right in the heart of Paris, gave us a foretaste of the Games," said Estanguet.

"We have seen exceptional triathlon and Para triathlon routes at the foot of the most beautiful monuments in Paris, archery and Para archery right next to the Dôme des Invalides, and, of course, great moments of sport.

"I would like to thank the World Triathlon, World Archery and their French National Federations, as well as all the stakeholders in the public sector, for their invaluable contributions at our side.

"These test events have taught us a great deal.

"Throughout these test events, we have been able to adapt to offer the athletes the best possible competition conditions, enabling us to look forward to next year's Olympic and Paralympic competitions with confidence.

"We can't wait."

Casado also expressed her confidence in the staging of the Games in fewer than one year’s time.

"We organised four extraordinary days of races in the heart of Paris," said Casado.

"We had to adapt and replace the Para triathlon and the mixed relay with a duathlon format, but that is exactly what test events are for: to test the venue, the contingency plans and all the protocols so we are ready on the big day.

"And I can say that this city is ready.

"We were privileged to witness some fabulous events.

"The images the world saw were breathtaking. The athletes really loved the experience, and we can't wait to be at the Games next summer."

Paris 2024 insisted that the cancellation of the swimming events was done as a "precautionary measure" and stressed that the water quality would be "improved" by the time of the Games next year.

Under the plans, the Austerlitz basin which is expected to be able to store the amount of water equivalent of 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools, will be constructed.

It is claimed by Paris 2024 that the reservoir will ensure they are "better prepared for exceptional weather events" and mean competition will be "held under the best possible conditions".

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has promised that the Olympics and Paralympics in the French capital will be the catalyst for a massive clean-up that would lead to three new sites being opened in 2025 so that public swimming would be allowed in the Seine.

"For the first time since 2012, the Seine welcomed swimmers to compete," said Hidalgo.

"I would like to pay tribute to the efforts of all the teams, staff and volunteers who helped make this long-awaited event a reality.

"This event would not have been possible without the cooperation of all the stakeholders, including the institutional partners.

"This will be continuing our joint work, which will enable us to respond to the adjustments still required, as a result of holding these events."

Pierre-Antoine Molina, general secretary for public policy for Ile de France, claimed that the events showed the "great progress with regard to the water quality of the Seine".

"We have also learnt many lessons that will help us during the coming year, as we further improve the measures in place in order to be fully ready for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024," added Molina.