Ice-boks Make Waves At World Champs In Italy With 24 Medals

The South African ice swimming team, the Ice-Boks, moved into the world Top 10 after their heroics at the sixth Ice Swimming World Championship in Molveno, Italy.

The nine team members returned home with an impressive 24 medals and five world records in their respective age groups, adding to South Africas growing reputation in a sport dominated by cold countries.

Over 750 athletes from 42 countries competed in the world championships from January 13 to 19, with water temperatures plunging to 1.1C.

Among the stars at the championships was Reino von Weilligh, one of South Africas most decorated athletes in ice swimming. Competing in the elite overall races, Reino won silver in the 500m freestyle, bronze in the 1000m freestyle the most challenging races at around 1C, and bronze in the 250 freestyle.

He also won four additional gold and silver medals in the 30-34 age group, including a world record of 2:45.0 for the 250m freestyle.