After facing several delays due to heavy rain and political issues, Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, finally fulfilled her promise to swim in the Seine River. This symbolic gesture marks the progress made in preparing for the Paris Olympics.
On a picturesque morning in Paris, Ms. Hidalgo, known for her efforts in transforming the city ecologically, ventured into the once murky waters of the Seine. This river will play a significant role in the upcoming Olympics, hosting events such as the triathlon and two 10-kilometer swimming competitions.
A massive engineering endeavor, costing around $1.5 billion, has significantly reduced the pollution in the Seine. The river is now clean enough to meet the standards required for Olympic events, including the opening ceremony which will feature a flotilla of boats carrying thousands of athletes.
Amidst spectators lining the riverbanks and bridges, Ms. Hidalgo, clad in a wet suit and goggles, swam downstream alongside Tony Estanguet, a former Olympic gold medalist and head of the Paris Olympics Committee.
Despite the challenges posed by recent heavy rainfall, causing the river to flow at an increased speed, Ms. Hidalgo’s initial swimming plan in June had to be postponed due to water quality issues. Subsequent attempts were also thwarted, one being disrupted by President Emmanuel Macron’s unexpected announcement of snap parliamentary elections.
The perseverance and determination demonstrated by Ms. Hidalgo symbolize the city’s commitment to hosting a successful and environmentally-conscious Olympic Games.
