Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo took a symbolic dip in the Seine River before the 2024 Paris Olympics in a proactive move to address concerns about the river's cleanliness.
Dressed in a wetsuit, Hidalgo was spotted on a platform next to one of the Seine’s 37 iconic bridges. Carefully descending a ladder into the water, she thanked onlookers in French before diving in and swimming laps with other elected officials, much to the spectators' delight as they cheered.
This swim was part of Hidalgo's promise after alarming reports surfaced about the Seine's water quality , including fecal contamination and traces of E. coli bacteria. Inviting other officials to join her, Hidalgo aimed to showcase France's commitment to making the river safe for athletes.
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Despite France investing $1.5 billion into a comprehensive cleaning system, concerns about the water quality remain. The Seine is slated to host marathon swimming events on August 8 and 9, starting at the Pont Alexandre III bridge.
Eau de Paris, the publically owned water supply company of Paris, and the Paris Water Laboratory have revealed that high E. coli levels still pose a risk, casting doubt on the river’s safety for swimming. Olympic silver medalist Morgan Pearson noted, “I've been in cleaner water in my life, but nothing stuck out,” highlighting that while the Seine is cleaner than Tokyo's waters were in 2020, significant improvements are still needed.
France has built a gigantic tank to apprehend sewage before it enters the Seine, part of a $1.5 billion endeavor to combat pollution. The advanced filtration system, with a capacity of 13.2 million gallons (equivalent to 20 Olympic-sized pools), aims to ensure safe conditions for athletes .
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Rainwater, chemicals from car washing runoff, and more remain major pollution sources, and the cleanup effort has sparked political controversy in France. Critics argue that the $1.5 billion could improve its citizen's lives instead of worrying about the games. Labor unions have protested, demanding better working conditions, and some activists have threatened to use the river as a toilet to protest government spending on the Olympics.
The Seine is set to be the centerpiece of the first-ever Olympic opening ceremony held outside a stadium. The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony on July 26 will feature vessels carrying athletes along the Seine, passing by Paris’s most iconic landmarks.
Any issues with the Seine’s cleanliness could lead to the cancellation or postponement of swimming events, including marathon swimming and triathlons. With no alternative venues planned, the successful cleanup of the Seine is crucial for the games' schedule and logistics. France’s dedication to this cause will be tested as the world watches closely.
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