Swimmers take icy plunge in Stockholm

156 swimmers plunged into the frigid waters of Stockholm in Sweden's annual cold water swimming competition held at Hellasgarden Nature Reserve.

With growing popularity it has become international, seeing competitors from 10 countries.

Competition organiser Kalle.

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

Latvia had a sizeable contingent in the competition of which Maria was ecstatic to have participated, taking a dip in Stockholm's freezing waters.

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'."

Given its alleged health benefits, the sport has been attracting much attention and avid cold water swimmer Aleksander from Latvia is sold on the health claims.

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."

Having prepared for the event in an open air swimming pool, debutant Anne-Françoise from Belgium is over the moon from her first race.

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."

Whilst this year sees many first timers getting their feet wet, also present is 73 year old Lars who's a veteran at this.

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

After the icy plunge, participants are warmly congratulated with medals and warm handshakes.

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