On December 26th, cold-water swimmers from the Czech Republic, Belgium, Britain, Germany and Slovakia took part in the Vltava River Swim (three separate races of 100, 300 and 750 meters) in Prague. With the water hovering around 4°C (39°F), two-time English Channel swimmer David Cech (shown below) won the 750-meter course.
While the water could be considered cold by some, it was not as cold as the winter of 1946 when it was impossible to hold the annual race. At minus 25°C, the water continued to freeze every time the organizers attempted to break the ice with axes.
Note: Piokilothermal means cold-blooded (or having a body temperature that varies with the temperature of its surroundings).
Copyright © 2009 by World Open Water Swimming Association
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