Sweden's ice water swimming - 9th February 2022

Sweden's capital hosted its annual wintery swimming competition in the freezing waters of Hellasgarden Nature Reserve.

Swimming in cold water is a growing sport. This year, 10 countries were represented at the competition with 156 swimmers participating.

Here is competition organiser Kalle.

Kalle: "So, today we have 1.9 celsius degrees in the water and we have about 156 swimmers joining us."

There were many swimmers from Latvia including Maria who was excited about her experience.

Maria Yrjö-Koskinen: "So, this is a dream come true to be in beautiful Stockholm and this is a healthy lifestyle. We love it! We say, 'the colder the water, the warmer the friendship'."

Many people believe that cold water swimming is good for us. Aleksander loves the sport and speaks of the advantages.

Aleksander: "You know this is excellent treatment, excellent opportunity to keep your body in a good fit and your mind clear, to get the positive emotions."

Belgian swimmer Anne-Françoise prepared for the event by swimming in an open air pool. She shares how she feels after her first swim.

Anne-Françoise Melot: "It's amazing! The adrenaline, I'm not even cold as you can see. From an outsider's point of view, you must think we are nuts but it's such a blessing."

While this is the first time for some, others like 73 year old Lars have been practising for years.

Lars Avellan: "I started as a young teenager, so I've done it for a very long time."

The swim might be freezing but swimmers are given medals with warm smiles and handshakes.