JERSEY swimmer Angela Harvey-Jones proudly flew the Island flag at the European Open Ice Swimming Championships, claiming gold and bronze medals on her first ever venture into competitive ice swimming.
Harvey-Jones competed at the five-day championships in Molveno, Italy, where 512 swimmers from 32 nations raced in water temperatures ranging between 1.3°C and 2.8°C, well within the extreme limits required under International Ice Swimming Association regulations.
Ice swimming rules permit only a standard pool racing costume, silicone cap and goggles, with no diving starts or tumble turns allowed. Water temperatures must be 5°C or below, and competitors are required to surface within five metres of the start or turn.
Despite it being her first experience of the discipline, Harvey-Jones rose superbly to the challenge, securing gold in the 100m freestyle and bronze in the 50m freestyle in her age category.
“I wasn’t even sure I could do it,” she admitted. “But I’m absolutely delighted I did. It was an incredible experience.”
Adding to the occasion, organisers provided her with a Jersey flag and invited her to act as the Island’s flag bearer during the opening ceremony, a moment she described as a proud and unexpected honour.
“I was surprised and very honoured to be given the Jersey flag. To walk out as the flag bearer was a very proud moment,” she said.
The championships brought together athletes aged from teenagers to competitors in their late eighties, highlighting the sport’s remarkable diversity and growth. Romania topped the overall medal standings, while Great Britain dominated the age-group categories.
Heavy snow and freezing air temperatures greeted swimmers during the opening days in the Italian Alps.
Harvey-Jones also praised the event’s organisation and spirit, saying: “Many thanks to the IISA for an exhilarating and wonderful experience. The camaraderie and the warmth from officials and fellow competitors was truly amazing.”
The Molveno championships marked the second European Open event hosted by the IISA and continued the rapid expansion of competitive ice swimming across the continent.
For Harvey-Jones, however, the focus was simpler: representing Jersey on an international stage and returning home with gold.
