PARIS, July 17, 2024 – Fulfilling a promise aimed at showcasing the Seine River’s cleanliness, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo took a momentous plunge into its waters yesterday, accompanied by key officials and amid preparations for the upcoming 2024 Olympics.
Months of anticipation culminated as Hidalgo, donned in a wetsuit, immersed herself near the historic backdrop of City Hall and Notre-Dame cathedral.
Joined by Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet and regional official Marc Guillaume, Hidalgo’s swim marked a pivotal moment ahead of the Games’ opening ceremony, set to feature a spectacular parade on boats along the Seine.
“The water is very, very good. A little cold, but not so bad,” remarked Hidalgo upon emerging from the river, underscoring efforts to demonstrate its improved quality. Daily tests earlier in June had indicated concerns over E. coli levels, prompting rigorous remediation efforts.
Since 2015, Paris has invested significantly, amounting to $1.5 billion, in enhancing the Seine’s environmental conditions, pivotal for both Olympic events and long-term urban revitalization plans.
Central to this initiative was the creation of an expansive underground water storage basin, extensive upgrades to sewage infrastructure, and modernization of wastewater treatment facilities.
The symbolism of Hidalgo’s swim resonates deeply, echoing past pledges from leaders like former President Jacques Chirac, whose promises to open the Seine for swimming remained unfulfilled. Minister of Sports Amélie Oudéa-Castéra had previously ventured into the river in a similar demonstration of confidence.
Originally scheduled for June, Hidalgo’s swim was delayed due to unforeseen parliamentary elections, reflecting the event’s significance amidst broader political and social contexts.
Earlier attempts to politicize the event with social media trends like “#jechiedanslaSeine” underscored public sentiment and the contentious history of promises regarding the Seine’s accessibility.
Looking forward, the Seine is slated to host several high-profile swimming events during the Olympics, including marathon swims and the swimming legs of triathlons, highlighting Paris’ commitment to sustainability and sport.
As Paris prepares for the grand spectacle of the 2024 Olympics, Hidalgo’s swim stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and its readiness to welcome athletes and spectators alike to its revitalized urban landscape.
In conclusion, Anne Hidalgo’s swim not only symbolizes a cleaner Seine but also underscores Paris’ readiness to host a historic Olympics, blending tradition with modernity against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic rivers.
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