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Chilly on the Willy
A couple of years ago, I became a member of Lahden Avantouimarit – a surprise present for my 40th birthday from my girlfriend.
Increasingly enthusiastic, this year I decided to participate in the annual Finnish Winter Swimming Championships in Peurunka.
The moment of truth arrives. CLOHTES OFF. “Oh shit…. Why am I here?” WATER - The competitors descend the steps so that their shoulders are below the water line. “I must be insane.” BEEP – there’re off.
The course is a specially constructed 25-metre pool in Peurunkajärvi and all swimmers must swim breaststroke. The rules don’t allow wet suits – swimmers must wear normal costumes or trunks. A hat and goggles are allowed.
The winner of my heat ‘Superman’, Mika Pöyhöla, from Tampere reached the finish line in an amazing 17.56 seconds. By the time I struggled to the end in 37.39 seconds he was dried and changed. In what was surely the most inept performance by an English sportsman since Eddie Edwards first put skis on, I can take small consolation in that my time would have been good enough for sixth place in the women’s over 70 category. Still, as in the Olympics, it is not the winning that counts, but the taking part. I was just happy to reach the end without any part of my anatomy dropping off!
Many would argue that the English football team’s failure to qualify for this summer’s European Championships was equally lacking. However, this was a team and not individual performance.
The first Finnish ice swimming Championships were held in 1989 and attracted only about one hundred eager participants. However, with its increased popularity a decade later, more than 1,200 swimmers took part.
First held in Helsinki in 2000, the World ice swimming Championships take place every second year. In February this year, the first ever world championships held outside Finland took place in England. They were hosted by the South London Swimming Club (SLSC) an outdoor swimming club founded in 1906.
Staged at London’s Tooting Bec Lido, the UK’s largest open-air swimming pool, the SLSC had to guarantee that the water temperature would be a maximum of 6o before being given a licence to hold the event.
Although seasoned cold water swimmers from 21 countries, including the UK, Russia, China, Australia, Canada, Italy, Norway and Sweden participated in the event the vast majority of the ‘human penguins’ registered for the event (around 50%) came from Finland. Perhaps they were attracted by a special sauna, sponsored by Honkarakenne and two hot geyser bath barrels that were specially imported from Finland for the occasion?
When I was (much) younger, I took part in several athletic events in Tooting. Unfortunately, due to work commitments, I was unable to participate in this year’s World Ice Swimming Championships. But I have already began making plans to compete in next year’s Finnish Winter Swimming Championships in Imatra.
For a slightly better performance, please see the results of the Finlandia Ski marathon (32 km) where despite falling ten times (an unwanted personal best) I eventually crossed the finish line in 2 hours 31 minutes. More of which in a later article.
What next? I am currently looking for my next uniquely crazy Finnish challenge. Perhaps the Nakukymppi Naked 10km race in Padasjoki next June? But please don’t tell my mother and no photos!
Mike Bangle is the owner of Talking English language consultancy and can be contacted at mike.bangle(at)phnet.fi
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