Gold and Bronze at World Ice Swimming Championships 2025 in age group 65-69
My Ice Swimming Journey
In December 2023, I completed my Ice mile (1609 m in water temperatures under 5 degrees, with a swimsuit, hat and goggles) making me the oldest female in the world to become an Iron Ice Woman. This means I have completed an ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 miles on the bike and then a marathon) and swum an ice mile.
GB Ice Championships 2024
In December 2024, I went to the GB Ice Championships in Rother Valley, swimming 1000m and 500m in water temperatures under 5 degrees. This was an elite and age group event. The water was 5.5 degrees, so any potential GB record would not be ratified as the water was too warm!
With a personal best and 2 golds for both my distances in my age group, I qualified to join Team GB for the World Ice Championships in Molveno, 13th – 19th January 2025.
World Ice Swimming Championship 2025
What a week this was! Upon arrival, the Dolomites provided a striking backdrop for the event. The pool’s icy, clear waters at 1.9 C presented a significant challenge, testing the endurance and resilience of all GB swimmers.
Each morning the organisers had to remove the ice from the pool to allow the events to take place. which left me having a couple of sleepless nights before each of the 2 events as I have never swum that long in such low temperatures.
The event was characterised by a strong sense of community. Participants supported each other, with encouragement from the poolside and camaraderie among swimmers. The volunteers’ dedication also contributed to the positive atmosphere.
This championship highlighted the unique aspects of ice swimming: the combination of determination, perseverance, and the connections formed between participants from various backgrounds across the world. These shared experiences created memorable moments for those involved in this demanding sport.
Winning a Gold and Bronze in my age group for 1000 m and 500m freestyle
It was the best week of my life and to top it, I won Gold in the 1000m and Bronze in the 500m in my age group 65-69. Thank you to the whole GB Team, organisers, officials and volunteers.
I plan to be back in 2 years’ time when the event is being held in Megève in France. The oldest swimmer was 85, so hopefully I have a few more championship swims in me!
For more details please contact Trisha Harvey at trishhughes89@gmail.com
