#USA #Chicago #Chicago River #A Long Swim #Olivia Smoliga

The Chicago River Swim's Historic Return

On September 21, 2025, the Chicago River Swim made its long-awaited comeback after a near-century hiatus, bringing with it a wave of excitement and community engagement. This iconic event celebrated not only competitive swimming but also the city’s remarkable environmental progress, raising a stunning $150,000 for ALS research at Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine and swim education initiatives at the Salvation Army Kroc Center.

The event attracted a diverse group of participants, with 263 swimmers entering one and two-mile courses along the revitalized Chicago River, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators lining the Riverwalk. Among the notable attendees was Mayor Brandon Johnson, who opened the event by highlighting the Chicago River's transformation from a polluted thoroughfare into a treasured civic asset. He stated, "The Chicago River Swim is a symbol of Chicago's resilience and progress. Once too polluted for recreation, the river has been restored as one of our city's greatest assets. Today shows how far we've come in reclaiming our environment for future generations."

Olivia Smoliga, an Olympian and Chicago native, won the women’s one-mile race, clocking in at an impressive 22:45. As a testament to Chicago's sporting prowess, Levy Nathan triumphed in the men's division with a time of 22:22. The two-mile race was equally competitive, with Becca Mann and Isaac Eilmes winning the women's and men's titles respectively, showcasing the determined spirit of the city's athletes.

This event was pivotal in not just commemorating a sports milestone but also emphasizing the ongoing journey towards environmental stewardship. The Chicago River has reached its cleanest water quality on record, now supporting over 80 species of fish and thriving wildlife. Such progress reflects decades of hard work, involving stronger regulations, better wastewater treatment by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), and grassroots efforts led by organizations like Friends of the Chicago River and the Shedd Aquarium. Together, they have transformed the river into a livable ecosystem, making it safe for swimmers once again.

Safety was paramount during the Swim, which was monitored by over 100 trained personnel. Lifeguards and observers ensured everything ran smoothly, and research-based water testing was conducted by the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), which performed thorough tests leading up to the event. All results were within EPA guidelines, confirming safe swimming conditions.

The partnership between UIC and the Chicago River Swim exemplifies a successful model of collaboration that combines scientific acumen with community engagement. Abhilasha Shrestha, a research assistant professor at UIC, expressed satisfaction in seeing science contribute to public safety and enjoyment. "Our partnership with the Chicago River Swim benefited the athletes who participated and our students, whose commitment to water quality helps make Chicago a leader in testing public waterways," Shrestha stated.

As the sun set after the day filled with excitement, participants and supporters embraced the spirit of camaraderie and aspirations for a cleaner, healthier future. For many, the Chicago River Swim symbolizes more than just recreation; it is a celebration of the city’s ongoing commitment to preserving the environment and fostering community.

To learn more about this landmark event and future activities, visit the Chicago River Swim website.