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Paris Mayor Swims in the Seine to Prove It’s Clean for the Olympics

Parisians previously made threats of defecating in the river after hearing of Anne Hidalgo’s scheduled swim.

After months of anticipation, a smiling Anne Hidalgo fulfilled a promise to show the Seine was clean enough to host open swimming competitions during the 2024 Olympics. Clad in a wetsuit and goggles, she plunged into the river near Paris’ imposing City Hall, her office, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. It’s hard to say whether curious Parisians watching Hidalgo, who was originally supposed to be swimming with President Emmanuel Macron, were witnessing a devious joke unfold or still believed the water was too dirty to bask in, despite the massively expensive project.

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