Tokyo Olympic organisers said Wednesday that prolonged summer rain had temporarily brought high levels of bacteria to a venue intended for triathlon and marathon swimming at the 2020 Games.
Many samples taken from late July through early September at the Odaiba Marine Park showed elevated levels of pollution, said Koji Murofushi, sports director for the Tokyo 2020 organising committee.
"The timing and the volume of rainfall impacted the data," said Murofushi, blaming unusually long rains — the Japanese capital saw three straight weeks of precipitation at that time — that brought pollutants from offshore.
The facility routinely hosts triathlon and swimming events that meet international quality standards, sports officials said.
Murofushi rejected the idea of changing the venue, pledging that "measures will be taken so that we can provide an excellent environment for the sports" during the 2020 Games.
IOC vice president John Coates warned the Japanese capital should prepare for the worst possible weather conditions.
Swimming’s governing body FINA said it will also help Tokyo prepare the best possible venue.
"As the world governing body for Aquatic sports, FINA will keep working closely with the Tokyo Metropolitan government and Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee to ensure the best available venue and environment for the marathon swimming events in 2020," it said.
Organisers of the Rio Olympics in 2016 were left red-faced when the pool used for diving events turned an unsettling shade of green overnight.