Czech Cold-Water Swimmers Set New World Record for Largest Polar Bear Dip

Czech cold-water swimmers have etched their names in history by setting a new world record for the largest polar bear dip. On Saturday, a remarkable 2,461 participants plunged into the icy waters of Most Lake in northwest Czech Republic, successfully surpassing the previous record of 1,799 swimmers achieved in Mielno, Poland, in 2015.

To qualify for the record, participants braved the 3.5-degree Celsius water clad only in bathing suits, ensuring they were submerged at least waist-deep for a full minute. The water temperature had to remain below 10 degrees Celsius for the record to be valid.

David Vencl, the event organizer and a renowned freediver, expressed his pride in the Czech nation's affinity for cold-water swimming. He himself holds a world record for men's swimming under ice, having covered an impressive distance of 80.9 meters four years ago.

This remarkable feat by Czech cold-water swimmers is a testament to their resilience and dedication to the sport. They have not only set a new world record but also showcased the growing popularity of polar bear dips, a testament to the human spirit's ability to embrace and conquer even the most challenging conditions.