Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo Swims in the Seine Ahead of Olympics
A Historic Promise Fulfilled
Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, has achieved a significant milestone by swimming in the Seine river, fulfilling a nearly 40-year-old promise. Accompanied by Tony Estanguet, president of the Olympic Games committee, and Marc Guillaume, the prefect of Île-de-France, Hidalgo took the plunge just nine days before the start of the Olympic Games. This event marks a crucial step in showcasing the readiness of Paris to host the Games and the various events planned to take place in the river.
Dressed in a black and orange jumpsuit, Hidalgo swam for five minutes in the Bras Marie, between the Saint-Paul district and the Saint-Louis island. The event was attended by a large audience of journalists and onlookers, who witnessed the mayor emerge from the river, visibly pleased with the water quality. 'The water is good, very good even,' Hidalgo remarked, noting the temperature had risen from 16 degrees in June to 20 degrees currently.
Ensuring Safety and Water Quality
The swim comes after a series of positive water quality analyses, particularly concerning fecal bacteria levels. Over the last two weeks, results have shown compliance with international standards, allowing the event to proceed. Tony Estanguet confirmed that the Olympic events, including triathlon and marathon swimming, would take place in the Seine as planned. 'The system is very effective, and in the event of heavy rain, the Seine can return to an acceptable level to compete in the events,' Estanguet assured.
The decontamination plan, costing 1.4 billion euros, involved extensive upgrades to pipeline structures and other measures to improve the river's water quality. This initiative is expected to leave a lasting legacy, with around thirty bathing areas planned in Île-de-France and three future Parisian sites from 2025.
Despite some skepticism from onlookers about the river's cleanliness and safety, the event proceeded smoothly. Anne Hidalgo avoided questions about current political events and the absence of President Emmanuel Macron, focusing instead on the joy of swimming in the Seine. Macron had previously declined an invitation to swim in the river on June 23, citing other priorities.
The successful swim and the positive water quality results have bolstered confidence in Paris's preparedness for the upcoming Olympic Games. As triathletes and other athletes prepare to compete in the Seine, the city looks forward to showcasing its efforts to clean and rejuvenate the iconic river.
