Paris, France — In a vibrant display of confidence, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo took a refreshing plunge into the River Seine on Wednesday, demonstrating the successful efforts to clean the iconic waterway ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Accompanied by Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Hidalgo expressed delight at the river’s condition. "It’s cool but not cold at all. We didn’t want to go out," she remarked, emphasizing the enjoyable swim. Estanguet joined in the swim, symbolizing unity in preparing the city for the global event.
After a century-long ban on bathing due to pollution concerns, the Seine is poised to welcome athletes and, soon after, the public. Paris City Hall announced on its X account that swimming in the Seine will be open to everyone starting next summer, marking a historic moment for the city.
Since 2016, the French government has invested over 1.4 billion euros (approximately $1.5 billion) to restore the river’s cleanliness. Hidalgo highlighted that hosting the Olympics accelerated these efforts. "When we clean the Seine, of course we will make it possible to prepare for the Olympics, of course we will be able to swim afterwards, but we also protect the rivers for future generations," she said.
The River Seine is set to play a central role in the upcoming Games. The opening ceremony on July 26 will be held on its waters, and it will host events such as the triathlon and marathon swimming. The successful cleaning of the Seine not only enhances the Olympic experience but also leaves a lasting legacy for Paris residents and visitors alike.
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Hidalgo, Estanguet swim in Seine to prove river clean enough for Games
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