In a symbolic and bold move ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Mayor Anne Hidalgo took to the waters of the River Seine for a public swim. This historic event not only showcased her personal commitment to a cleaner, more accessible river but also underscored Paris’s preparations for the upcoming Games.
Hidalgo’s swim on a sunny afternoon was part of a broader initiative to revitalize the Seine, a central element of the city’s Olympic vision. The mayor, dressed in a sleek black swimsuit, swam a short distance from the city’s iconic Pont Neuf to the quai, drawing cheers from onlookers gathered on the riverbanks.
Her swim was more than a publicity stunt; it marked a significant milestone in a decade-long project aimed at improving water quality and transforming the Seine into a vibrant public space. The river, once heavily polluted, has seen substantial cleanup efforts as Paris gears up to host the Games, where swimming competitions will take place in the Seine for the first time since 1924.
The event also highlighted the city’s environmental goals and the promise of creating a lasting legacy for future generations. Hidalgo’s action was a message to the world that Paris is ready for the challenges and opportunities of the 2024 Olympics.
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