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Swimming was banned in the Seine in 1923, but bleachers now line the river to make the Seine the center of a citywide stadium.<\/p>\n
After months of anticipation, a smiling Anne Hidalgo<\/strong> fulfilled a promise to show the Seine was clean enough to host open swimming competitions during the 2024 Olympics.<\/p>\n Nine days before the opening ceremony on July 17, the 65-year-old mayor of Paris took to the cleaned-up waters of the river to take a swim. Clad in a wetsuit and goggles, she plunged into the river near Paris\u2019 imposing City Hall, her office, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.<\/p>\n Unlike previous editions, the #Paris2024<\/a> Olympics opening ceremony will not take place in a stadium but on the Seine River!!! \ud83c\udf8a<\/p>\n This is what the ceremony could look like. \ud83e\udd0c#Olympics<\/a> #OlympicGames<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ZY7oZ333rV<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Khel Now (@KhelNow) July 23, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n She was followed into the water by Paris 2024 Olympic President and former canoeist Tony Estanguet<\/strong>, as well as Marc Guillaume<\/strong>, the top government official for the Paris region. Guillaume is responsible for the safety and traffic on the famous Parisienne waterway, which will be at the center of the opening ceremony.<\/p>\n \u201cThe water is wonderful,\u201d Hidalgo told NBC News<\/em><\/a> after she emerged from the water, adding that it was \u201cvery cool and very nice.\u201d<\/p>\n Estanguet added that it was a \u201cvery important milestone because it\u2019s the confirmation that we are ready for the Games.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Seine quality is perfect,\u201d he said of the murky waters. He added that it sent a message to the athletes that they should enjoy the Games.<\/p>\n La Maire de Paris Anne Hidalgo se baigne dans la Seine \u00e0 quelques jours de JO de #paris2024<\/a>. pic.twitter.com\/A9nVeooMMD<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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