French sports minister takes dip in the Seine ahead of Paris Olympics

French minister Amelie Oudea-Castera dived into the Seine ahead of the Paris Games (Ministry Of Sport, Olympic And Paraolympic Games via AP)

French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera has taken a symbolic dip in the Seine in a bid to ease concerns about water quality before the start of the Paris Olympics.

MS Oudea-Castera, dressed in a body suit, dived into the famous river after an initial slip and swam a few metres near the Alexandre III bridge, where the Olympic open water swimming competition will be held.