Bluetit Chill Swimmers Make a Splash at World Championship Winter Swimming Event in Tallin, Estonia
In March 2024 a group of 80 adventurous Bluetit Chill Swimmers embarked on a chilly journey to Tallin, Estonia to brave the icy waters of the International Winter Swimming Association's World Championship event.
Our Global Bluetit Swim Team, took on the challenge of swimming alongside world-class ice swimmers, despite not being predominantly competitive swimmers.
This opportunity to participate in such a prestigious event was a big deal. Many of the team were nervous, not aiming to win but rather to challenge their limits and see what they were capable of achieving.
With competitors hailing from 42 countries around the globe, the atmosphere was electric as the swimmers prepared to plunge into the bone-chilling waters with an average temperature of just 1 degree celsius. Each morning, the sight of ice on the water didn't dampen the spirits of the Bluetits, who eagerly lent a helping hand to clear the swim area for the day's events.
Despite the lack of expectations for winning medals, the Bluetits returned home with 4 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze swimming medals and an impressive 20 silver medals for their end of event show performance. They also took part in the world record breaking attempt for the most amount of swimmers to partake in a swim relay, the majority of them completing their 25m length of the swim area between 10pm and midnight whilst snow fell on the water.
One highlight of their trip was an invitation from the UK Ambassador to Estonia, Mr Ross Allen, to tea at the British Embassy in Tallin. Mr Ross graciously wore the Global Bluetit team robe and hat to address all The Bluetits at the embassy and later on in the week met the team again when he participated at the events world relay record breaking attempt.
In the chilly waters of Tallin, Estonia, the team, representing Bluetits everywhere, proved that they are a force to be reckoned with at the Winter Championships.
With the same unity and unwavering support we find in our flocks, this remarkable team conquered the freezing water and emerged victorious. As they stood on the podium, lined the event quayside cheering not only their team members, but all swimmers from around the world, their smiles and cheers were a testament to the power of community and camaraderie.
With the love and encouragement of their teammates, they achieved feats they never thought possible, and showed that when you have a group of people who believe in you, there is no limit to what can be accomplished. It was a testament to all that with the warmth of friendship and kindness, conquering any challenge that comes our way is possible.
