“Soon after though they ran the triathlon World Cup test event [in the Seine]. It’s just a matter of time before they can make sure that it’s race quality and I’m confident that they’ve learned from that last year and there’ll be a good race.

“I did speak to a French official at the World Cup. He said he’s doing everything he can to make sure that the water quality is as pristine as possible.”

Macron was recently asked by local reporters if he would swim in the Seine, which has been forbidden since 1923.

“I will do it. But I won’t give you the date, or you risk being there,” Macron said with a grin.

By 2025, Paris will offer 26 swimming pools in the Seine, four of which will be in the heart of the city.

The biggest problem, when it comes to the Seine’s water quality, is rain. Overflowing drains and sewers, which includes faecal matter, increases bacteria in the water.

Sloman is optimistic about the whole situation.

“There’s excitement around that [race] as it’s going to be pretty cool,” Sloman said. “In the middle of Paris, with all eyes on you, is definitely a change for open water. Usually, we’re out in the sticks and no one cares about us but to be like the focal point in Paris is something pretty iconic.”

Australia officially unveiled its open water team on Wednesday, which features Sloman, Chelsea Gubecka, Moesha Johnson and Kyle Lee. It is the first time Australia will have four athletes vying for gold medals in the 10km swimming events.

Sloman says the open water team will enter the athlete’s village four days before their events in August and be guided by authorities when it comes to the water quality.

However, there is no back-up plan or venue if conditions are deemed to not be safe.

“There is no solution to move the event. The triathlon and open water swimming will be held in the Seine next year,” Tony Estanguet, Paris 2024 organising committee, told reporters after the cancellations in August.

Sloman insists he isn’t concerned by the prospect of not being able to compete at a maiden Olympics.

“I’m not super focused on that right now but you are correct, there is no plan B location. There will be a lay day or two if required to make sure that the conditions are right,” Sloman said.

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After narrowly missing selection for the Tokyo Olympics, Sloman admits he nearly quit the sport but is happy he stayed the course.

“I’ve been trying to make this team for 12 years now,” Sloman said. “It’s more of a relief than anything.

“I was pretty devastated and arguably depressed [after Tokyo]. I didn’t really want to do it. But I’m glad for the people in my corner that said, ‘you know what, you’ve still got so much more of a gift for the sport and an athlete’. Three years later, I’m here and I’m on the Olympic team.”