The 20th year of the traditional Branické ledy competition took place on Branické louka, where a total of 258 hardy people competed against each other, including 83 women who came to swim in the cold weather, push their limits and do something for their health.

“It is excellent as a prevention of diseases from colds, in general it increases immunity, all hardy people usually have a better life, they smile and it is a good mood during recovery or some traumatic conditions, it improves thermoregulation, someone will tell you that it is good for allergies and someone for skin problems. It has a lot of health positives,” said Tomáš Prokop – chairman of the Prague fitness club.

Outside temperature one degree, water temperature 3.5 degrees. For some it’s really cold, but for others it’s great conditions for hardening and winter swimming.

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This year’s edition was dedicated to the nester Ladislav Nick from Otužile, who plunged into the cold waters at the ripe old age of 98. This time, the oldest participant, Andrej Dzub, was 80 years old, while the youngest was only 15 years old. Swimming in cold water is becoming more and more popular among Czechs.

“There are definitely more hard-liners every year, not only at competitions, but on every shore. Every open area in winter attracts hard-liners and there are more and more of them,” said Tomáš Prokop – chairman of the Prague hard-liner club.

The general partner for this year was the Dry February organization with the current theme of Not drinking is art. In the Czech Republic, over a million people are on the verge of risky drinking and putting down a glass of alcohol is not easy at all.

“At the same time, we consider that hardening is also a certain art. Pushing the boundaries by leaving comfort zones. And for someone, that can be both not drinking it and just staying in cold water. Sucháč is often associated with some kind of support for health, a better lifestyle, so it’s beautifully connected,” said Petr Freimann – director of the Dry February organization.

At the same time, the organization prepared several interesting prizes for the winners of the Branické ledů.

“We have this year’s merch artwork, which is depicted on a towel, so this year’s participants will receive these towels, Dry February books and some other little things,” said Petr Freimann – director of the Dry February organization.

Climbing into water that is only 3.5 degrees is certainly not for everyone, and all competitors had to pass a medical test. And no one swam in such cold water for the first time. Strengthening, perhaps just at home in the shower, can help you with varicose veins, rheumatism, for example, and above all, you will strengthen your overall immunity. And that’s definitely not a bad thing.