With Olympic legend

Ice swimming world championships: Viennese want to be at the forefront

Preparation for the World Championships also took place at the Vienna Badeschiff.(Bild: Mag. Barbara Anderl)

The Ice Swimming World Championships are now taking place in South Tyrol - and Olympic legend Markus Rogan is also showing how cool he is. 

The South Tyrolean town of Molveno will become the center of the international ice swimming scene from 13 to 19 January. For the sixth time, athletes from all over the world will come together to put their endurance, technique and mental strength to the test in the icy waters of Lake Molveno. With water temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius, it's time to see who can withstand the cold and the pressure.

Challenges in the ice-cold water
"Ice swimming is not just a sport, it's a way of life. It's about pushing the boundaries of what is possible," explains Josef Köberl from Vienna, President of the Austrian Ice Swimming Association and a participant himself. He has also prepared intensively for the competition in Vienna and, as a multiple world record holder, is one of the favorites.

Chris Redl, Josef Köberl and Markus Rogan (right) n South Tyrol. Photo: Christian Redl(Bild: Chris Redl)

Olympic athlete Markus Rogan takes part
In the competitions, distances from 50 to 1000 meters are swum - in various lengths such as freestyle and backstroke - as well as relays. One of the highlights is the 1000-meter competition, which requires both physical and mental peak performance. It will be particularly exciting when favorites such as Markus Rogan, former Olympic silver medalist, enter the water.

Large field of participants from Austria
The field of participants comprises 21 Austrians, including 11 women. "We have a strong team that can hope to win medals," emphasizes Köberl. It is the first time that such a large Austrian delegation has been represented. "It is very important to me to bring people closer to this sport in all its facets," says Köberl.

Red-white-red records
Austria is generally well represented in the scene. Several records are firmly in ice-cold red-white-red hands. This development shows that ice swimming is captivating more and more athletes. "It's a sport that requires courage, stamina and a strong psyche. People surpass themselves here," says Köberl, describing the fascination.