Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo makes a Splash in the Seine ahead of the Olympic Games

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo made headlines when she decided to take a plunge into the Seine River, just nine days before the much-anticipated kickoff of the Olympic Games. Her courageous swim aimed to demonstrate the cleanliness of the river and its suitability to host the outdoor swimming events scheduled for the Games later this month.

Sporting a wetsuit and goggles, Hidalgo dove into the famous waterway while spectators watched from the riverbanks. This swim fulfilled a promise made by Hidalgo back in January, affirming her commitment to showcasing the river's improved cleanliness. The event took place near City Hall and the Notre Dame Cathedral to emphasize the river's improved ecological state.

Hidalgo's swim was not without its challenges, as she had to navigate around discarded items such as two bikes and a scooter retrieved from the river earlier that morning. In a symbolic gesture, Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris 2024 Games, joined Hidalgo in the swim, underscoring the importance of the event in highlighting the efforts made to enhance the Seine’s water quality.

Despite prior concerns about the Seine's water quality, attributed in part to repeated sewage leaks into the river, recent improvements have made the water swimmable. Heavy rains in the preceding months delayed Hidalgo's initial swim plan due to heightened bacteria levels, but subsequent tests have shown the river to be suitable for open-water sports like swimming and triathlons.

The significance of Hidalgo's swim echoes past efforts by political figures to clean up the Seine, including French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra's recent swim in the river. For decades, politicians have pledged to improve the Seine's water quality, with the aim of legacy achievements tied to hosting the Olympic Games.

Hidalgo's initiative to create public bathing areas in the city next year underscores a broader commitment to environmental sustainability. The summer games are set to begin with a grand open-air ceremony featuring an athletes' parade on boats along the Seine. This marks a significant departure from the historical ban on swimming in the river, dating back over a century.

As Paris prepares to welcome global athletes for the Olympic events, the Seine's cleanliness and ecological health serve as a testament to the city's commitment to environmental stewardship. Hidalgo's swim serves as a poignant reminder of the progress made in making the Seine a hub for outdoor sporting events, symbolizing a new era of environmental consciousness and sustainable practices in the heart of Paris.

Source: France 24