Jersey’s Angela Harvey-Jones has proven that when it comes to cold-water courage, she’s made of seriously strong stuff.
The Island swimmer travelled to the European Open Ice Swimming Championships in Molveno, Italy and came home with a gold and a bronze medal tucked into her suitcase.
The five-day event, organised by the International Ice Swimming Association, saw more than 500 swimmers from 32 countries dive into water temperatures hovering between 1.3°C and 2.8°C in the Italian Alps. Yes, you read that correctly.
Ice swimming is exactly what it sounds like. Standard costume, silicone cap, goggles and absolutely nothing else. No wetsuits. No tumble turns. No dramatic dive starts. Swimmers must surface within five metres of pushing off the wall, all under strict safety rules, in water that must be 5°C or below.
So understandably, Angela wasn’t entirely sure what she’d signed up for.
“I wasn’t even sure I could do it,” she admitted afterwards. “But I’m absolutely delighted I did. It was an incredible experience.”
Incredible and successful. She secured gold in the 100m freestyle and bronze in the 50m freestyle in her age category, making her debut in the sport about as memorable as it gets.
As if racing in near-freezing water wasn’t enough, Angela was also handed the Jersey flag by organisers and invited to lead the Island out at the opening ceremony, a surprise honour that made the week even more special.
“I was very surprised and very honoured,” she said. “To walk out as Jersey’s flag bearer was such a proud moment.”
The championships featured competitors ranging from teenagers to swimmers in their late eighties, with heavy snow and freezing air temperatures adding to the drama during the opening days. Romania topped the overall medal table, while Great Britain dominated the age-group standings and Jersey certainly played its part in that success.
Angela was quick to praise the atmosphere at the event too: “Many thanks to the IISA for such an exhilarating and wonderful experience,” she said. “The camaraderie and the warmth from officials and fellow competitors was truly amazing.”
For her first taste of ice swimming, it’s safe to say Angela didn’t just dip a toe in, she made a splash.