Paris Mayor Takes a Dip in the Seine River to Demonstrate Its Cleanliness for the Olympics – Hollywood Life
In 1923, swimming was prohibited in the Seine, but now the river is equipped with bleachers, turning it into the focal point of a citywide stadium.
Anne Hidalgo, with a smile on her face, fulfilled her promise after much anticipation to demonstrate that the Seine was clean enough to host open swimming competitions during the 2024 Olympics.
Just nine days before the opening ceremony on July 17, the 65-year-old mayor of Paris, clad in a wetsuit and goggles, took a swim in the cleaned-up waters of the river near City Hall, her office, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Unlike previous editions, the #Paris2024 Olympics opening ceremony will not take place in a stadium but on the Seine River!!! 🎊
This is what the ceremony could look like. 🤌#Olympics #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/ZY7oZ333rV
— Khel Now (@KhelNow) July 23, 2024
Following Hidalgo into the water were Paris 2024 Olympic President and former canoeist Tony Estanguet, along with Marc Guillaume, the top government official for the Paris region responsible for the safety and traffic on the Seine during the opening ceremony.
After emerging from the water, Hidalgo described it as “wonderful” and “very cool and nice,” telling NBC News about her experience.
Estanguet emphasized the importance of this milestone as confirmation of their readiness for the Games.
He mentioned that the quality of the Seine’s murky waters was perfect, sending a positive message to the athletes about enjoying the Games.
La Maire de Paris Anne Hidalgo se baigne dans la Seine à quelques jours de JO de #paris2024. pic.twitter.com/A9nVeooMMD
— Brut FR (@brutofficiel) July 17, 2024
Over the past several years, a massive engineering project costing around $1.5 billion has significantly reduced the flow of sewage and industrial waste into the Seine.
This project aimed to clean up the once-polluted river to a level suitable for various Olympic events and the unique opening ceremony involving a flotilla of boats carrying thousands of athletes.