This episode's guest is a world record holder, a true endurance athlete and
someone who constantly challenges what is possible and forces us all to
ask, why not?
We first encountered this athlete after hearing he was the first Para
athlete to complete the Northern Channel crossing. Not only did we not know
what the Northern Crossing was, but we soon discovered an incredibly
inspiring athlete who was excellent in cold water and distance swimming.
Additionally, he is a pioneer in making the open water and countryside more
accessible for people with disabilities. He is involved with several
charities and organisations where he passionately believes in making sport
accessible.
Jonty Warneken is a GB para-athlete, an ice swimming world record holder,
and is heavily involved in OMT, the World Open Water Swimming Association
and the Ice Swimming Association. We are delighted to spend some time
talking to him, though we realise his ability to normalise some of the most
daunting endurance feats is infectious. There is a strong chance that by
talking any longer with him, we would jump at the opportunity of going cold
water swimming, completing an ice mile and looking for the next distance
swim challenge. Why? Well, because why not?!
In this fascinating episode, we explore his feats of endurance, ability to
withstand freezing temperatures, and how he works with a greater sense of
purpose to achieve his goals.
For more information on Jonty and some of what we have covered in today’s
episode:
Ice Swimming
International Ice Swimming – https://internationaliceswimming.com/
Para Ice Swimming –
https://www.openwaterswimming.com/para-swimmers-made-ice-swimming-history-at-the-5th-iisa-world-championship/
Para-swimming
Para V swim series – https://www.para-v.com/
Open Water Swimming Advisory Board –
https://www.openwaterswimming.com/announcing-our-new-wowsa-advisory-board/
Charity Work:
Opencountry charity – https://www.opencountry.org.uk/
Yorkshire dale river trust – https://www.ydrt.org.uk/
