Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo Promotes Safety of Seine River for Summer Games with Swim

Sports | July 17, 2024, 8:13 a.m.

Paris is gearing up to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, with the Seine River at the center of its bid. Mayor Anne Hidalgo promised a clean river for open water swimming events, despite a century-old ban on swimming in the polluted waters. To prove her point, she took a dip herself, emerging to declare the water "exquisite." Massive efforts have been made to clean up the Seine, including a $1.5 billion investment in new infrastructure. Water testing continues to ensure safety for athletes, with a backup plan in place if contamination levels rise. Confidence in the river's cleanliness remains high, with the sports minister even taking a swim to demonstrate his trust. If successful, Hidalgo's cleanup project will surpass previous efforts to clean the Seine, marking a significant achievement for the city of Paris.