It was supposed to be the centerpiece of the Olympics in Paris, where triathlon swimmers would traverse the scenic waterway. However, even after heroic efforts, the iconic river appears still too polluted.

The Paris Olympics organizing committee and governing body, World Triathlon, said the water quality did not offer the “necessary guarantees.” This came after a French charity warned that bacteria, including “pollution of fecal origin,” was far higher in the river than permitted with a little over 100 days to go.

France has spent over $1.5 billion upgrading the city’s old sewage system and creating an overflow basin to catch regular flooding from rains but bacteria levels have still remained high.

Before the postponement of more river swimming, Briton Beth Potter, who won Thursday’s event was asked if she was worried about the pollution risk:

 “It’s too early to say. Maybe we’ll get sick, you never know,” before adding, “I hope not, but that’s the risk you take swimming in open water.” 

Meanwhile, Paris organizers insist that the Seine will be ready to host Olympic swimming events.