Thomas Bach, Chair of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is prepared to take a swim in the Seine before the beginning of the Paris 2024 Games in late July.
"I haven’t received an invitation yet, but when it arrives, I’d be pleased to do so. My hope is that the water isn’t too cold," commented the 70-year-old Bach during a media talk last Friday.
Significant investments have been undertaken to improve the water quality of the Seine. Triathletes and open-water swimmers will compete in the Seine for medals this summer.
Parisian Mayor Anne Hidalgo plans to swim in the Seine, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and some senior IOC officials, to demonstrate the sufficiency of the water quality.
This event is expected to take place at the end of June or beginning of July. Over the past few years, more than one billion euros has been spent to ensure the river’s water meets health standards.
After the athletes’ participation in the forthcoming Games, the Seine is expected to be open to everyone for swimming from 2025. A swimming ban has been in place since 1923.
