Paris: Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo fulfilled a long-anticipated promise by taking a plunge into the Seine River, demonstrating its improved cleanliness ahead of the 2024 Olympics. Clad in a wetsuit and goggles, Hidalgo, along with Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet and other officials, swam about 100 metres downstream from City Hall, symbolising the river’s readiness to host open swimming competitions during the Games.

"The Seine is exquisite," Hidalgo remarked from the water, praising its quality despite the slight chill. Her swim marked a significant milestone in Paris’s efforts to revive the river, which has been off-limits to swimmers for over a century due to pollution.

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The initiative is part of a comprehensive plan launched in 2015 to rehabilitate the Seine, involving a $1.5 billion investment in infrastructure improvements. This includes a massive underground water storage basin, renovations to sewer systems, and upgrades to wastewater treatment plants. Recent water quality tests, following initial concerns about E. coli bacteria levels, have shown notable improvements, underscoring the effectiveness of these efforts.

Originally scheduled for June and postponed due to elections, Hidalgo's swim was a symbolic triumph over past scepticism and criticism. Despite earlier social media campaigns threatening to protest the Olympics by polluting the river upstream, Hidalgo's determination remained steadfast.

Witnessed by curious spectators along the banks and under tight security with seven boats deployed, the swim was not merely symbolic but practical, preparing for events like marathon swimming and triathlon swimming legs during the Olympics.

Athletes, including competitive swimmer Enzo Gallet, joined Hidalgo in testing the waters, affirming its suitability for international sporting events. Gallet noted the historic significance of swimming in the heart of Paris after decades of restriction.

Beyond the athletic spectacle, Hidalgo's swim is a political statement echoing past pledges by leaders like former French president Jacques Chirac, underscoring her commitment to environmental stewardship and urban renewal.

As the Seine prepares to host global athletes and spectators in the upcoming Games, Hidalgo's symbolic dip serves as a testament to Paris’s resilience and dedication to sustainability, marking a historic moment in the city's journey towards a cleaner, more accessible urban waterway. AP