Introduction
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has fulfilled her long-standing promise by leading a successful cleanup operation of the Seine River, making it safe for swimming and hosting Olympic events. This significant achievement marks a milestone for the city and the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games.
Historical Context and Dream Realized
Paris mayors have dreamt of cleaning up the Seine enough for decades to make it swimmable. This ambition seemed unattainable for the past century, becoming a significant challenge for Olympic organizers. The situation took a historic turn recently when Mayor Anne Hidalgo kept her promise and proved the river’s water quality had improved substantially.
The Big Day: Mayor Hidalgo Takes the First Swim
On a sunny Wednesday, Anne Hidalgo donned a swimsuit and took a symbolic dip in the Seine to the cheers of approximately 100 officials, athletes, and local residents. This marked the river’s readiness for Olympic events, as extensive testing confirmed the water’s safety.
“It’s a dream day … and the sun is out,” Hidalgo remarked after swimming 100 meters downstream in 20°C (68°F) water. “It’s sweet and wonderful and results from a lot of work. When we started our campaign for the Games in 2015, there were doubts about hosting a triathlon in the Seine. Today, we can affirm that it is possible.”
🇫🇷🌊 #Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo took a dip in the #Seine on Wednesday, fulfilling her promise of swimming in the cleaned-up river just days before the Olympic Games ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/av2GIa2DQ4
— Le Monde in English (@LeMonde_EN) July 17, 2024
Support from Olympic Organizers
Tony Estanguet, the president of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, praised the city’s efforts and confirmed that the Seine is now suitable for triathlon and marathon swimming competitions.
“As organizers, we’re thrilled to offer athletes the best conditions,” Estanguet said. “Beyond that, these Games are accelerating the city’s transformation, making it possible to swim in the Seine.”
He also mentioned that contingency plans are in place to postpone races if heavy rain causes temporary spikes in water pollution.
Historical Challenges and Current Solutions
Swimming in the Seine had been prohibited since 1923 due to health risks. Despite previous promises by past mayors, like Jacques Chirac in 1990, significant progress was made only during Hidalgo’s tenure. The cleanup included constructing a €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion) holding and treatment tank to manage stormwater and enhance the wastewater network. Despite initial setbacks with water quality, recent tests have shown a dramatic improvement.
Upcoming Olympic Events and Environmental Impact
Triathlon events are scheduled for 30 and 31 July and 5 August, with a swimming marathon on 8 and 9 August. The para-triathlon will take place on 1 and 2 September. Competitors will start near Pont Alexandre III, with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, adding to the event’s grandeur. Regular water quality testing will ensure safe conditions for athletes.
Contingency Plans and Environmental Progress
If heavy rains during the Games affect pollution levels, the triathlon’s swimming portion might be omitted, and the marathon swimming competition relocated. Encouragingly, more than 30 fish species have been identified in the Seine, compared to only three in 1970, signaling a healthier ecosystem.
Conclusion: A Broader Impact
Mayor Hidalgo’s swim in the Seine symbolizes more than just an Olympic preparation. It represents a significant step towards making Paris more resilient to climate change and reducing ocean pollution. This achievement underscores the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and sets a positive precedent for future urban renewal projects
