In a spirited display of confidence ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, took a dip in the River Seine on Wednesday. Accompanied by Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Hidalgo aimed to showcase the river's improved cleanliness in preparation for the upcoming Games.
The mayor praised the Seine's current condition, describing the water as being in \"rather optimal conditions.\" Estanguet joined her in the swim, emphasizing the river's readiness by sharing, \"It's cool but not cold at all. We didn't want to go out.\"
This event marks a significant milestone, as the Seine had been off-limits for bathing for a century. Paris City Hall announced on its X account that not only will athletes be able to swim in the Seine during the Olympics, but public access to swimming in the river will also be available starting next summer.
The transformation of the Seine has been a long-term project, with the French government investing over 1.4 billion euros (approximately $1.5 billion) since 2016 to ensure the river meets the stringent standards required for swimming. Mayor Hidalgo highlighted that hosting the Olympics has accelerated these efforts, stating, \"When we clean the Seine, of course we will make it possible to prepare for the Olympics, but we also protect the rivers, for future generations.\"
The Seine will play a central role in the Paris Olympics, hosting the opening ceremony on July 26. Additionally, the river will be the venue for the triathlon and marathon swimming events, further cementing its status as a symbol of Paris's commitment to sustainability and public engagement.
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Hidalgo, Estanguet swim in Seine to prove river clean enough for Games
cgtn.com
