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Ice-cool physiotherapist Helen Hislop celebrates winning gold and silver medals at international swimming event

Jan 27, 2025

On The Move | Sports & Exercise

Ian McMillan

Physiotherapist Helen Hislop made waves at the World Ice Swimming Championships, which took place in Molveno, a northern Italian town overlooked by the Brenta Dolomites, from 13 to 19 January.

Helen braved water temperatures of -2C at the event, which attracted nearly 700 swimmers from 44 countries, Helen, 52, and from Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (WUTH), was named Age Group World Champion in the 1,000 metre Freestyle race.

‘It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I’m incredibly proud and grateful for the opportunity to represent my country,’ said Helen. Back at her base at Arrowe Park Hospital in Upton, Helen’s achievements were picked up nationally by the BBC after being outlined in an article by Penny Fray on the WUTH website.  

Helen trained throughout 2024, combining swims in open water as the temperatures gradually dropped with indoor pool sessions to maintain endurance. Competing in two events in the championships, she won gold in the 1,000 metres event and picked up a silver one in the 500 metres one.

Safety issues remained paramount, Helen stressed. ‘I needed to pass a medical before competing in the British Ice Swimming Championships in December, where I qualified for the GB team. Mentally, I was extremely nervous – I’d never swum in water below two degrees before – but I reminded myself I’d done the preparation and training to get through.’

Staying in control’ was key

What spurred Helen on? ‘Getting to the end safely was my main focus – taking it steady, swimming my own race, and staying in control.

‘It was a privilege to compete in such a stunning location,’ said Helen, praising the ‘fantastic camaraderie’ exhibited by the ‘inspirational swimmers’ and the ‘supportive and encouraging British team’.

Having swum the English Channel in 2021, Helen attempted the much colder North Channel in 2024, falling just four kilometres short in freezing conditions. That experience inspired a deeper focus on cold-water acclimatisation and led to the world of ice swimming.

Mentally, I was extremely nervous – I’d never swum in water below two degrees before – but I reminded myself I’d done the preparation and training to get through

‘Know your limits’ in cold conditions

‘It’s important to know your limits and get out before feeling too cold. “After-drop” – when your body continues to cool even after leaving the water – can occur up to 20 minutes later, so dressing warmly and gradually warming up is vital.’

Helen concurs with the host of wellbeing experts and participants who claim that cold water and wild swimming has many benefits. ‘There’s something special about being outdoors. After the initial shock of the cold, it’s invigorating and can really help with mood, mental health, and overall wellbeing.’

For those who might be tempted to follow in the champion’s wake, Helen offers the following advice: ‘Take it gradually. Swim with experienced people in safe locations, and build up slowly, perhaps starting in summer and continuing through winter. Always bring plenty of warm layers and a hot drink.’

Helen added: ‘There’s a great sense of accomplishment and wellbeing in overcoming such challenges. It’s also an opportunity to meet like-minded people and experience the beauty of the environment.’

To read more about Helen’s achievements on the WUTH website, see: https://www.wuth.nhs.uk/news/latest-news/2025/01/wuth-physiotherapist-crowned-ice-swimming-world-champion/

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