ANKARA, July 17 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo swam in the Seine River on Wednesday, showcasing the river's improved water quality ahead of the Olympic Games, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.
Hidalgo, joined by Paris 2024 Chairman Tony Estanguet, swam in the heart of France’s capital during a live-streamed event.
This marked a significant moment as swimming in the Seine had been banned for much of the last century due to pollution.
The event aimed to demonstrate that the Seine is now clean and ready for the upcoming Olympic Games, which will commence next week.
Before the swim, two bicycles and an electric scooter were removed from the river, highlighting ongoing cleanup efforts, according to broadcaster BFMTV.
The quality of the Seine’s water has been a topic of intense debate in recent months, given that some Olympic events will take place in the river.
On Tuesday, the non-governmental organisation Surfrider, which focuses on ocean and water protection, confirmed that the Seine was “safe for swimming” based on the latest water sample results. This was a significant improvement from their warning in April about the river's "alarming" water quality.
In a related event, Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera also swam in the Seine on July 13, further underscoring the efforts to ensure the river’s suitability for the Olympics.
-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU
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