Courtesy of Darren Miller, U.S. Winter Swimming Association Championships in New York City.

What strikes us about ice swimming and winter swimming is how often and how widely these cold water swimmers smile after their competitions.

Competitive FINA swimmers, stage swimmers, marathon swimmers, channel swimmers, ocean swimmers and other in the open water show their effort and determination at the end of their swims. But these cold water swimmers finish their races with a smile.

Does the cold water lead to a massive secretion of endorphins?

We wonder.

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