WUTH Physiotherapist Crowned Ice Swimming World Champion
A physiotherapist from Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) has achieved global recognition in one of the world’s toughest sports.
Helen Hislop, 52, has been crowned Age Group World Champion in the 1000m Freestyle at the International Ice Swimming Association World Championships.
Competing in waters below two degrees Celsius, she battled extreme cold to secure gold in Molveno, Italy.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I’m incredibly proud and grateful for the opportunity to represent my country,” said Helen, who works at Arrowe Park Hospital in Upton.
The incredible feat comes after years of preparation, as Helen balanced her demanding career with intense training to overcome both physical and mental challenges. From open-water swimming to cold acclimatisation, her journey to the world stage has been one of determination and resilience.
Reflecting on the race, the Wirral athlete explained, “Getting to the end safely was my main focus—taking it steady, swimming my own race, and staying in control.”
Helen trained throughout the year, swimming in open water as the temperatures gradually dropped, while balancing indoor pool sessions to maintain endurance. Safety, however, was always paramount. “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 2 degrees before—but I reminded myself I’d done the preparation and training to get through.”
The championships were held in the breathtaking surroundings of Molveno, with its turquoise lake framed by snow-capped mountains.
“It was a privilege to compete in such a stunning location,” Helen said. “It’s been a wonderful experience seeing so many inspirational swimmers from around the world and being part of a supportive and encouraging British team. The camaraderie was fantastic.”
The athlete competed in two events, securing a silver medal in the 500m and gold in the 1km, cementing their place among the elite of the sport.
Ice swimming might seem like an unlikely pursuit, but for this champion, it was a natural progression. Having swum the English Channel in 2021, the athlete attempted the much colder North Channel in 2024, falling just 4km short due to the freezing conditions. That experience inspired a deeper focus on cold-water acclimatisation and led to the world of ice swimming.
Managing the physical and mental demands of the sport is no small task.
“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.”
Cold and wild swimming has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with many drawn to its unique benefits.
“There’s something special about being outdoors,” said Helen. “After the initial shock of the cold, it’s invigorating and can really help with mood, mental health, and overall wellbeing.”
For those intrigued by the idea of ice swimming, the champion offers this 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.”
While the sport may seem daunting, the rewards are immense. “There’s a great sense of accomplishment and wellbeing in overcoming such challenges,” the swimmer said. “It’s also an opportunity to meet like-minded people and experience the beauty of the environment.”
Reflecting on her incredible journey, Helen is filled with gratitude towards all the people and sponsors who helped her along the way.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Team GB, IISA GB Ice Swimming and their sponsors for making it all possible and keeping us safe and ready for action,” she said. “Red provided us with cosy GB robes, Kitbrix gave us a bag to hold our all gear and elite helped with our nutritional needs.”