Swimming in the Seine has been banned in Paris for more than 100 years. The IOC President would like to prove himself that the river is now clean enough for Olympic competitions again.
IOC President Thomas Bach (70) is ready for a swim in the Seine before the Summer Games in Paris.
“So far I haven’t received an invitation, but if I receive one, I’ll be happy to do it. I hope it’s not too cold,” said the head of the International Olympic Committee in an interview with international media. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo had announced that she wanted to swim in the Seine with French President Emmanuel Macron and top Olympic officials before the Games to demonstrate the improved water quality.
Hidalgo announced the jump into the water at the end of June or beginning of July. Before the Olympics in Paris, the Seine, which has been heavily polluted for many years, is being cleaned at great expense. During the games, open water swimmers and triathletes will compete in the river. From the summer of 2025, the public will be allowed to swim in the Seine again in some areas, which has been banned since 1923.
Source: Stern
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