4 Days in Molveno: Deniz Kayadelen Molveno Ice Swimming Success
- Deniz Kayadelen
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Two Gold. Two Silver. Ice swimming at 1°C. One Limitless Mum.
The IISA European Championships 2026 in Molveno, Italy, have come to a close. Deniz Kayadelen Molveno Ice Swimming journey at the IISA European Championships was a true test of mental and physical limits. For me, these four days in the heart of the Dolomites were more than a competition—they were a masterclass in resilience. As an ice swimming world champion and business psychologist, I often talk about stepping out of the comfort zone. In Molveno, I had to live it every single second.
The Deniz Kayadelen Molveno Ice Swimming Challenge: Peak Performance in the Ice
Location:Â Molveno, Italy (Dolomites).
Water Temperature: A brutal 1°C (34°F).
The Rules:Â No wetsuit. No excuses. Just mental focus.
Ice swimming is the ultimate mirror. It doesn't care about your past titles; it only cares about your presence in the now.
The Results: 4 Days, 4 Medals
Navigating different distances and strokes required a constant shift in my mental state. Here is the breakdown of my journey at the European Ice Swimming Championship
Day | Race | Medal | Achievement |
Day 1 | 100m Butterfly | 🥇 Gold | 1:33 (Age Category and Top 10 Open Category) |
Day 2 | 250m Freestyle | 🥇 Gold | 3:46 (Age Category) |
Day 3 | 50m Butterfly | 🥈 Silver | 0:40 (Age Category) |
Day 4 | 100m Freestyle | 🥈 Silver | 1:21 (Age Category) |
From Fear to Peak Flow: The Reality of a Postpartum Athlete
This wasn't a "perfect" preparation. I am currently five months postpartum. Between fragmented sleep, my nanny quitting days before the event, and my partner being away on business, the "ideal circumstances" were non-existent.
In my upcoming book, From Fear to Peak Flow, I discuss how to perform when the pressure is high and the energy is low. Molveno was the field test for those theories.
Trust (Day 1):Â I swam faster than my training times because I stopped negotiating with my fear and committed to the water.
Consistency (Day 2):Â When you are exhausted, routine becomes your best friend. I focused on the stroke, not the cold.
The Joy Zone (Day 3):Â I applied the "Limitless Mum" mindset. I blocked out the noise and swam for the pure love of the sport.
Brutal Acceptance (Day 4):Â By the final race, my body was tired. I didn't fight the fatigue; I accepted it, which allowed me to find the reserve energy for one last silver medal.
Why Out of Comfort Zone Matters
Ice swimming is a metaphor for life and leadership. It strips away the masks. You cannot fake presence when the water is freezing. It requires a growth mindset that I share in my keynote speaking and coaching.
I swam this championship for every mother balancing ambition and family. Most of all, I swam for my daughter, Aurora. These medals belong to her.
Ready to Step Into Your Own Growth Zone?
If my journey in Molveno inspired you, don't just watch from the sidelines. It is time to apply these principles of Peak Flow and Mental Toughness to your own life and career.
This is your opportunity to work with me directly to break through your limits, master your mindset, and transform fear into fuel. Whether you are a leader, an athlete, or a "Limitless Mum" yourself, this bootcamp is designed to push you toward your own gold-medal version of life.
Key Takeaways for Your Growth Zone
Magic happens outside the comfort zone.
Presence beats perfection. You don't need to feel 100% to give 100%.
Circumstances are never ideal. Stop waiting for the "right time" and start showing up.
Molveno, thank you for the ice and the lessons.