Chicago River Hosts Historic First Swim in Nearly a Century

For the first time in almost a century, the Chicago River played host to an organized swim on Sunday, a momentous occasion marking the city’s remarkable environmental progress. Approximately 300 participants, some clad in wetsuits, braved the chilly waters for a mile-long loop, a feat previously unimaginable given the river’s historically polluted state.

A Century of Transformation

The event, a testament to decades of environmental remediation, drew participants from across the United States and 13 other countries. Doug McConnell, the event’s organizer and co-founder of A Long Swim, spearheaded the effort for over a decade, advocating for the city to sanction a river swim—the first since 1927. Inspired by successful urban river swimming initiatives in cities like Paris, Munich, and Amsterdam, McConnell envisioned a similar revitalization for Chicago’s iconic waterway.

Overcoming a Toxic Legacy

“It’s truly overwhelming,” McConnell remarked, watching swimmers glide past. “To see this happen, after all these years… it’s unbelievable.” He highlighted the stark contrast to the river’s past, recalling his grandfather’s childhood experiences with a heavily polluted river, deemed “repulsive and untouchable.” This sentiment, prevalent among many Chicagoans, reflects the dramatic shift in public perception.

A Long Swim’s Impact

McConnell, a seasoned long-distance swimmer who has completed the English Channel and circumnavigated Manhattan Island—feats undertaken to raise funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research—chose not to participate in Sunday’s swim. However, his commitment to the project was evident. “I think the water quality will surprise people,” he stated, emphasizing the significant improvements in the river’s cleanliness. “This proves that the river is no longer untouchable; it’s a symbol of our city’s resilience and environmental progress.”

A Global Event

The event’s global reach underscores the growing interest in urban river swimming and Chicago’s role as a leader in environmental restoration. McConnell hopes to make this an annual event, inspiring similar initiatives in other American cities. The success of Sunday’s swim is a testament to the city’s dedication to environmental stewardship and a powerful symbol of transformation for Chicago’s beloved river.

Looking to the Future

The sheer number of applicants, both domestic and international, reflects the global appeal of this historic event. The successful execution of the swim not only celebrates the Chicago River’s revitalization but also serves as an inspirational model for other cities striving to reclaim their waterways. McConnell’s vision for an annual event holds the promise of continued progress and a growing recognition of the Chicago River’s renewed vitality.

Source: The Guardian