French Minister Swims in Seine Pre-Olympics

Amelie Oudea-Castera, the French Minister of Sports, made a bold statement by swimming in the River Seine , just 13 days before the commencement of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The iconic river, flowing through the heart of Paris, is slated to host swimming competitions and serve as a focal point for the opening of this international sporting event.

Despite concerns about water quality due to bacterial levels, Minister Oudea-Castera took to the river to underline its suitability for Olympic activities. She shared footage of her plunge into the River Seine on her social media account, accompanied by the message: "I kept my word. Celebrating the role of flag bearer at Paris 2024 with our Paralympic triathlon champion Alexis Hanquinquant!"

However, the swim was not without incident. According to live coverage on BFMTV, Oudea-Castera encountered a slip as she entered the water.

This swim follows President Emmanuel Macron's earlier announcement that he would also swim in the River Seine, although no specific date was provided for his swim. Concerns over water quality have been raised, with environmental organization Surfrider Foundation highlighting bacterial pollution levels that exceed international standards set by the International Swimming Federation. The Paris Prefecture has acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve water conditions, ensuring readiness for the upcoming Olympic events.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo had previously pledged to swim in the River Seine on June 23 to demonstrate its cleanliness, a promise she did not fulfill on that date. It is now anticipated that Mayor Hidalgo will carry out her swim on July 17.

As preparations continue for the Paris 2024 Olympics, attention remains on ensuring the River Seine meets the necessary standards for safe and successful athletic competitions.