PARIS — A 75-year-old American swimmer took a dip in the Seine River on Thursday, braving the murky waters in central Paris to celebrate the Fourth of July and highlight the French government’s efforts to clean up the river for the Olympic Games.
He had good timing: Hours later, regional authorities released data showing water quality in the river improved over the past week, raising hopes it can host Olympic swimming events after all.
Joel Stratte McClure, who last swam in the Seine in 1976 for a magazine cover shoot and turns 76 this month, said he was impressed with the progress made in cleaning up the river, but still had concerns about its safety.
“I may regret having swum,” McClure said before entering the water. “But if I come back alive, it will prove that the French have done a good job cleaning up the river.”
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo initially planned to swim in the Seine last month to prove its cleanliness — prompting an online campaign by her many critics threatening to poop in the river on the day of her dip.
But she postponed the swim after President Emmanuel Macron announced snap legislative elections that have plunged France into political tensions and eclipsed pre-Olympic excitement for many. Heavy rainfall in recent months has also translated into faster-than-usual currents for this time of year, and Hidalgo says she will swim in the river in mid-July instead.
“I think the president organized new elections to avoid swimming in the Seine,’’ McClure joked.
After a brief swim, he declared the water “fantastic” and expressed hope that others would follow his lead and take advantage of the cleaner river.
Marathon swimming and triathlon are scheduled to take place in the river near the Alexandre III bridge during the Olympics, which run from July 26-Aug. 11, and the Paralympics, which run from Aug. 28-Sept. 8.
Unsafe levels of E. coli were found in the river last week for the third consecutive week. But on Thursday, regional authorities released new results showing an improvement.
The test results by monitoring group Eau de Paris show that for all but one day from June 26 to July 2, contamination levels were below the safe limit of 900 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters determined by the World Triathlon Federation for competitions.
French officials remain optimistic, and insist there is no Plan B for Olympic open-water swimming events.
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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
As the countdown to the Tokyo Olympics continues, one American swimmer is making headlines for taking an unconventional approach to training. Instead of hitting the pool or a pristine open water location, this athlete has decided to take a dip in the Seine River in Paris, France. While this may seem like a bold move, especially considering the river’s reputation for pollution, the swimmer is determined to make the most of their time in Europe before heading to Japan for the games.
The Seine River has long been associated with pollution, with reports of high levels of bacteria and other contaminants in the water. Despite efforts by local authorities to clean up the river in recent years, concerns about water quality persist. However, this has not deterred the American swimmer from using the Seine as a training ground.
In an interview, the swimmer explained that they were drawn to the Seine for its historical significance and unique setting. Swimming in the river allows them to experience Paris from a different perspective and adds an element of adventure to their training routine. Additionally, the swimmer sees it as a way to challenge themselves and adapt to different conditions, which could ultimately benefit their performance in the pool.
While some may question the wisdom of swimming in a polluted river, the athlete has taken precautions to minimize any potential risks. They have consulted with local experts on water quality and safety measures, and are closely monitoring their health and well-being throughout their time in the Seine. Additionally, they are taking steps to minimize their impact on the environment by following guidelines for responsible swimming and waste disposal.
The swimmer’s decision to train in the Seine has sparked a debate among fans and experts alike. Some applaud their bravery and creativity, seeing it as a bold move that could pay off in the long run. Others express concern for their health and safety, urging them to prioritize their well-being above all else.
Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is clear that this American swimmer is not afraid to think outside the box when it comes to preparing for the Olympics. Their willingness to push boundaries and embrace new challenges sets them apart from their competitors and demonstrates a level of dedication and determination that is truly inspiring.
As the Tokyo Olympics draw near, all eyes will be on this intrepid swimmer as they continue their unconventional training regimen in the Seine River. Whether their gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: they are not afraid to take risks in pursuit of their Olympic dreams.
