The Winter Swimming World Championships 2026 in Oulu, Finland, were my first international ice swimming competition and one of the most extreme experiences of my life. The water was around -1 °C, and there were nearly 2,000 swimmers from almost 50 countries. The atmosphere at the Winter Swimming World Championships was incredible, and the environment felt truly global.
Arrival in Finland and First Impressions
The journey from New York to Finland was long and tiring. The flight from New York to Helsinki took around 8 hours, and then from Helsinki to Oulu it was about a 1.5-hour domestic flight. Including waiting times and transfers, the full travel experience took almost a full day. Finland is 7 hours ahead of New York, so adjusting to the time difference was also part of the challenge before racing even began.
When I first arrived, everything looked unreal. Frozen lakes and even parts of the frozen sea had been cut into ice swimming lanes, and in some areas, they built temporary pool-style courses inside the ice. No wetsuits were allowed; only swimsuits, caps, and goggles. Before some races, ice was even being cleared from the surface so the lanes could stay open. The conditions were extremely raw and natural.
The competition was split into morning and afternoon sessions, and the level was very high throughout. Even though I was one of the youngest competitors, I was placed in some of the strongest heats. Swimming next to Gold Medalists and internationally experienced athletes made the experience even more intense and motivating.
Racing in -1°C Ice Water
I competed in multiple events during the meet:
- 25m freestyle
- 25m butterfly
- 50m freestyle
- 50m breaststroke
- 100m freestyle
- 25m relay breaststroke leg
Each race felt completely different in the ice water, especially the sprint events, where the cold shock hits immediately, and there is no time to adjust.
How Ice Swimming Is Different From Pool Swimming
Coming from a Mediterranean background and training in New York, adapting to the cold was not easy. I felt the difference immediately. Ice swimming is completely different from pool swimming.
- The Mechanics: There is no underwater phase, no flip turns, and very limited or almost no underwater movement.
- The Start: Starts are also different; you enter carefully from the edge or steps and begin with a controlled push, focusing immediately on staying calm in the freezing water.
- The Race: Once the race starts, everything is simple but brutal. You swim straight with no complex turns, just pure surface swimming.
- The Finish: The moment you finish, you immediately exit the water; there is no waiting for others to finish. Everyone leaves individually and goes straight to recovery.
Recovery, Safety, and Mental Challenge
Safety and discipline were extremely strict. Lifeguards were positioned everywhere, and recovery areas with hot drinks, blankets, and medical support were always ready.
“But in the water, you are mentally on your own. The cold hits instantly, your breathing changes, and staying calm becomes the most important skill.”
Getting out of the water was just as hard as swimming. My body would shake uncontrollably, and the support team would help immediately with warm towels and movement. The sauna was a key part of recovery, slowly bringing the body back to normal temperature.
Results and Final Thoughts
Swimming in -1 °C water in Finland was my first international ice swimming event, and the level was incredibly high. I finished 4th overall in my race and 5th in my age group, which made the experience even more meaningful considering the level of competition around me.
This is something I will never forget. It was difficult, intense, and completely new, but it was all about adaptation. I learned how different ice swimming is from pool swimming, and how quickly your body must adjust to extreme cold. Most importantly, I learned how to stay calm in conditions I had never experienced before.
It made me stronger and more prepared for future open water challenges.