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Frozen lake stops ice swimmers' training plans

Frozen Ferns A lake with large ice patches all over it. Frozen Ferns
Castle Ashby's lake has frozen over in the sub-zero weather conditions

A team preparing for the Ice Swimming World Championship has been forced to cancel training, after their open water venue froze over.

The New Zealand Ice Water Swimming Team has been using the lake at Castle Ashby in Northamptonshire to acclimatise for the upcoming championships in Italy, where competitors will swim in water below 5C (41F).

However, recent freezing temperatures have rendered the lake inaccessible.

Madeline Hobo, 16, a team member, described the challenge of training in icy conditions. "The first day here, the water was 5.1C (41F). It's not as clear as New Zealand waters, but it's a nice swim," she said.

Frozen Ferns A woman in a swimming costume and cap prepares to get into a lake. Two people in navy tracksuits and hats watch on. A stately home is in the backdrop behind the lake. Frozen Ferns
Water has to be less than 5C (41F) to be considered an ice water swim

Competitors at the international tournament will swim various distances in open water in chilly conditions.

Ms Hobo's main event is the 500m swim, typically completed in under eight minutes.

The championship's longest event, the 1km race, can last up to 20 minutes.

The teenager added: "I've been ice swimming since April last year. I think there's a really great and supportive environment to push yourself in, and you get quite a buzz after a swim."

The International Ice Swimming Association World Championship starts on Monday.

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