Salt Rock’s Joanna Dempsey won triple gold at the Italian Ice Water Swim Championships, braving 5°C waters without a wetsuit.
The event, held at Lake Cavazzo on January 16 and 17, drew more than 100 athletes from 10 countries to the icy waters of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, an autonomous region near the Austrian border in north-west Italy. The championships were officially recognised by the International Ice Swimming Association.
Dempsey (54), who lives in Dunkirk Estate and was born and raised in Salt Rock, represented Ice Swimming South Africa with distinction, taking gold in the 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke.
“It was the most amazing experience!” said Dempsey. “I am delighted with my performance and my three golds.”
After each freezing race, swimmers warmed up in a wood-burning sauna, where officials served hot chocolate to help athletes relax and safely stabilise their body temperatures.
Dempsey trains daily in the Salt Rock tidal pool, closely shadowed by her loyal dog, Sam, who follows her up and down the rocks. To condition herself mentally and physically for ice-water competitions, she also takes ice baths at least three times a week and incorporates controlled breathing techniques.
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“I also practise box breathing during these sessions to remain calm and focused, which is essential when racing in icy waters.”
With her Italian success behind her, Dempsey’ focus now shifts to the South African International Ice Water Swim Championships in Lesotho this August. The high-altitude event will see her take on longer-distance races (250m, 500m and 1km), a challenge she’s eager to embrace.
“I hope to tackle even longer-distance races in the altitude of this unique location,” she said.
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