Pushing Boundaries: My Sixth World Championship Title in Ice Swimming

Deniz Kayadelen
Jun 16
2 min read

Last winter marked one of the most extraordinary milestones in my life—I won my sixth gold medal at the Ice Swimming World Championships in Molveno, Italy. But this time, the victory held a deeper personal meaning: I was one month pregnant while diving into near-freezing waters to compete against athletes from over 40 nations.

Competing in the 500-meter freestyle event, I not only secured gold but also brought home three bronze medals in the 200-meter, 100-meter, and 50-meter freestyle races. The road to this championship was far from easy. My training took me deep into the Arctic Circle, to the North Cape—the northernmost point of Europe—where I prepared under polar nights, icy winds, and extreme conditions that tested every fibre of my being. Every challenge I faced reaffirmed what I always say: magic happens outside the comfort zone.

Both Topline (read the article here) and Goldkueste24 (read the article here) shared my story with their audiences, highlighting not just the medals but the perseverance, preparation, and personal journey behind this championship. From training in sub-zero waters to driving across rugged terrains in my trusted Ineos Grenadier, every moment was a testament to resilience.

As the founder of Out of Comfort Zone, I continue to support organisations and individuals in realising their full potential. I share these moments not to highlight accolades, but to encourage anyone facing their own version of icy waters: step in. Trust yourself. You might discover your greatest strength.

Want to dive deeper into stories like this? Tune in to my podcast, "Out of Comfort Zone", now available on Spotify and YouTube.