The Olympic Aquatics Centre brings not only world-class infrastructure for the Games and the Paris region, but also sets new standards for aquatics facilities everywhere.
This week marks an exciting milestone for the new Olympic Aquatics Centre, just a stone's throw away from the iconic Stade de France in the Saint-Denis area of Grand Paris. Set to open its doors for competition this weekend, the Olympic Aquatics Centre is one of just two new permanent sports facilities created for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and marks a groundbreaking step in eco-friendly construction and design.
As the Olympic Aquatics Centre prepares to host a series of events over the next few weeks, the excitement for the Games will mount for fans and athletes like. From the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup to thrilling competitions like France vs USA women’s water polo and the French national championships for men’s water polo and the Open International for Diving, the Aquatics Centre promises a preview of the extraordinary sporting spectacle to come this summer.
Beyond its role as an Olympic venue, the Centre embodies community engagement and accessibility. Designed to cater to both elite athletes and local populations, it will serve as the future French national high-performance centre for diving, featuring the only permanent 10-metre diving board in the Paris region. With a focus on developing talent and promoting aquatic sports at all levels, the centre is poised to become a hub of activity for years to come.
World Aquatics President, Husain Al-Musallam stated; “The unveiling of the new Olympic Aquatics Centre represents a fantastic milestone for aquatics. I am delighted that our sports are set to be in the spotlight at the Olympic Games this summer. As President of World Aquatics, I feel immense pride in seeing our athletes showcase their incredible talent on the world stage. The Centre is a perfect backdrop for this. I have no doubt that the aquatic competitions of Paris 2024 will captivate audiences worldwide.”
The unveiling of the Olympic Aquatics Centre comes at a particularly welcome moment for the community of Seine Saint Denis. With the lowest levels of swimming literacy in France and a scarcity of pools per capita, the area has long grappled with relatively limited access to aquatics facilities. However, recognising the vital role that aquatics can play in transforming a region, through projects like 1,2,3 Swim, Savoir Nagez and the creation of new pools, Paris 2024, Myrtha Pools, the Federation Française de Natation, and EDF are bridging the gap. They provide a world-class platform for community development and aquatics to be at the heart of Seine Saint Denis.
Explaining the extent to which the new Aquatic centre was purpose-built for the future, Roberto Colletto, CEO of Myrtha Pools, said: "The aquatic centre in Seine Saint Denis is a state-of-the-art facility designed by Venhoeven Architects with sustainability in mind. During the Olympic Games, the main pool will host diving, water polo, and artistic swimming events. It boasts crystal-clear water and two movable bulkheads that allow the pool to be configured for different activities."
Added Colletto: "The social impact beyond Paris 2024 will be promoting aquatic sports at all levels in this public centre. Thanks to the installed movable floor, the pool will also facilitate learn-to-swim courses for young children living in Seine Saint Denis. The percentage of children unable to swim in this area is high, and at Myrtha Pools, we take pride not only in contributing to the success of the Games but also in promoting swimming skills."
Speaking about his excitement for the future of aquatics, the World Aquatics President said: “From the seamless coordination of competitions to unprecedented levels of engagement, World Aquatics continues to excel on the international sporting stage. The opening of the Olympic Aquatics Centre in Seine Saint Denis marks a vital moment in our commitment to excellence. Not only do these state-of-the-art facilities set a new standard for performance, but they also leave a lasting legacy of community empowerment and inclusion. Together with our stakeholders, we ensure that the future sees aquatics inspire generations and transform lives.”