Voortgang IISA - Some Reflection on the ICE by Ram Barkai

It's been 18 years since my first ICE (January 2008). Needless to say, it has changed my life dramatically, and over time, the lives of many others. I was 52 when I decided to do my first Ice Mile, which turned out to be 2.3 km in 4°C. Little did I know what it would start worldwide.

Many times, I have wondered whether I would have taken the same path had I known what it would become. The ICE road was never easy — like venturing into new territory, with risks and challenges every single day.

Many have asked why I started IISA, but no one has ever asked why I continue to drive and grow it to this day — as if passion and commitment are taken for granted. The real answer was never success or glory. It was, and still is, seeing all the mad ones come to the ICE, challenge themselves, fail, succeed, and keep training and swimming in such a harsh environment. It gave me the support I needed to keep forging ahead with IISA during tough times.

If you haven’t seen it with your own eyes, up close and personal, you may struggle to understand the WHY. Believe me, this is not a trend or temporary madness — it is a lifestyle choice. A healthy one. A wonderfully rewarding one.

Many challenge us daily, from outside and within. High expectations. High demands. It is hard and requires a lot of energy — 24/7 — creativity, and work. Yet the message is clear:

“We love it. We want more. Better. Everywhere. Bring it in!”

This is a very positive and encouraging message that motivates me to keep going. It is clear that we cannot meet every request or query, but we listen and do our best as quickly as we can — because the ICE is calling

Many people have joined the ICE, rolled up their sleeves, and helped me take IISA forward. From IISA Board members doing fantastic work to country chairs, swim camps, officials, and, of course, our medical officers and doctors... what a team we have.

The process of growth brings many challenges. When we started, I was winning gold medals every time. Well, I was the only one. Then I was the only one in my age group. Then the silver came, and then the bronze. Now, a medal in my age group is a huge bonus. People swim 14 minutes per kilometre in my age group (65–69), or 30 seconds for 50m freestyle in 1.3°C. It is insane. It is wonderful. They deserve it. They are the best in the world in their category in the ICE — and that is exactly what I wanted to achieve, and still hope to push further.

The Olympic dream seems simple to many, but do not fool yourself — an Ice Mile is a doddle compared with getting IISA into the Olympic Games. It is a huge challenge. A challenge that brings big issues such as money, politics and power into our sport. I promise I will do my best to keep the soul of our sport, whatever comes. If you forgot why, start reading this essay again — it’s close to the top.

IISA is not just about the Olympic dream. Yes, it is our big, audacious goal — our Formula One — yet there is much more to it. I personally will never swim at the Olympic Games, but I will be incredibly proud to see our swimmers competing at the Winter Olympics one day (they’ll still need a second ).

I spend my days speaking with at least three countries, sometimes up to ten, every day about IISA. Often it is a short text message or query. Sometimes it is long Zoom calls — to educate, make decisions, build strategy, learn, or resolve conflicts. From logo design to legal agreements and rules. Never a dull day in the ICE — but there is so much passion out there that keeps fuelling mine.

I have made many new friends, lost some old ones and gained new ones, but all in all, I am vastly richer because of the amazing people I have met on the ICE road.

IISA, with Ice Swimming, has become a wonderful vehicle for people from all over the world to unite around a shared passion. I always loved the way the ICE strips away our protective layers and levels us as human beings, full of positive energy. Each one is ready to roll up their sleeves and help another in need without question. We can only do this if we look after each other. Let’s do our best to keep it that way; it is a rarity in our new mad world.

As a swimmer I admire — who once fuelled his English Channel crossing with whisky — said:

“Nothing great is easy.” I hope you know the name...

But it is a lot of fun and full of great mad people.

So here’s to all you mad ones who keep me going…

See you in the ICE.
Ram Barkai