Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo made a bold statement on Wednesday, diving into the Seine River to demonstrate its improved water quality ahead of the 2024 Olympics. This symbolic swim underscores the city's commitment to hosting open water events in a historically polluted waterway, which has undergone extensive cleanup efforts. Joined by Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet and regional government official Marc Guillaume, Hidalgo swam near the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and City Hall, donning a wetsuit and goggles.

The group included local swimming club members, adding to the festive atmosphere. “The Seine is exquisite,” Hidalgo declared, emerging from the river. “The water is very, very good. A little cool, but not so bad.” Her swim is a testament to the success of the city's "swimming plan," initiated in 2015, which involved a $1.5 billion investment in renovating sewer infrastructure, constructing an underground water storage basin, and upgrading wastewater treatment plants . The swim covered approximately 100 meters, alternating between crawl and breaststroke. Hidalgo’s efforts come just nine days before the Olympics' opening ceremony, set to feature an athletes' parade on boats along the Seine. Despite earlier water quality concerns, recent tests have shown significant improvement, clearing the way for events like marathon swimming and triathlons during the Games .

Estanguet, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in canoeing, praised the initiative, highlighting the admirable effort to clean up the Seine after years of pollution. This milestone follows similar promises by past politicians, including former President Jacques Chirac, who pledged to clean the river in 1988, though it never materialized . This swim not only showcases the environmental strides made but also aims to instill confidence in the upcoming Olympic events. The city's dedication to ensuring a safe and clean river for both the Olympics and future Parisians marks a significant achievement in urban environmental management.