On his fifth swimming expedition to Antarctica, Ram Barkai (@rambarkai_iceswimmer) showed – proved – what is possible.

His swimming in Antarctica over the last 3 days was stunning – and startling – given his medical background:

• 12 times in an emergency room
• implant of a pacemaker
• collapse of his immune system
• muscle mass collapse
• 6 different operations due to various complications
• 66 years old

But Barkai loves adventure, challenges, and the Ice. So there is no holding him back or holding him down; life just has a way of mere slowing him down every now and then.

He explains, “I hate hospitals, they smell, the food is terrible, the beds are uncomfortable, and everyone snores louder than me.”

So what does he do when he is down, but not out? “Head down, focus, and rebuild. Regain confidence is a huge factor in such rollercoasters.”

And what is the outcome? Pretty astounding by all modern medical knowledge “I can now say in confidence that you can do an Ice Kilometer in -1.0°C water with a pacemaker and be 100% fine. It was a world first to the best of my knowledge.”

How did this Ice Kilometer in Antarctica come about? “It was a few years coming and around 18 months ago I got my first pacemaker installed. It took a while to adjust and get used to it. I asked at least 10 cardiologists about ice swimming with it. They all said, ‘Don’t swim. We have no idea what may happen.’ Most physicians said, ‘Stop with this ice swimming nonsense.’“

Barkai knows that other swimmers – interested in the extreme – have been similarly warned by healthcare professionals. It is a common obstacle for many.

But he advises, “Never let anyone tells what you can’t do. Get second opinion and a third opinion until you find someone who believes in you and tell you – ‘You can.’ After that, it is just lots of hard work.”

Last Day of the Antarctic Ice Swimming Adventure

In addition to swimming himself, Barkai has additional responsibilities as the expedition leader, planner, chief safety officer, and interface with everyone on the boat and among the swimmers themselves. It is a heavy role that requires focus, decision-making abilities, and practical know-up. He reported, “The last of the swimmers are done and everyone is well and safe.

The last two swimmers were Lynton Mortensen (@lyntonmortensen) and me. The ship was kind enough to allow us to swim this morning. Lynton came back to Antarctica after being here in February with me to attempt an Ice Mile. I have a rule that all swimmers have to get their swims before I go ahead with my swim.

Rather stressful and tired, but that is my personal rule.

Today was our last swimmable day in Antarctica. This late afternoon we are heading to Shetland Islands and Deception Island, the last stop before the Drake Passage. A storm is heading our way so we need to rush, or we will not be able to access land anymore. The trip back is promised to be really bumpy.“

The Last Ice Kilometer

Mortensen and Barkai were given a 4:30 am slot to swim with a wakeup call at 3:30 am. They were on the boat at 4:30 am and swimming around 5 am.

Barkai wrote, “We swam by the majestic Argentinian Station with dozens of penguins watching us from land and swimming with us. The water temperature dropped a little to -1.0°C, but we didn’t really care anymore. We just needed to swim. Lynton started the swim, and I joined him after the first leg. He was going for an Ice Mile, and I was incredibly happy with just an Ice Kilometer.

What a contrast. No words can describe the beauty of the scenery and the toughness of a swim at -1.0°C. I finished my fourth 1,000m Ice Swim in Antarctica after 18 minutes 44 seconds and was rushed to the ship. ‘Don’t touch me!’ is my mantra after an ice swim. I need to get off the boat, into the ship, and walk to recovery unassisted regardless of everyone desperate desire to assist me. I am as stubborn as they come. Lynton joined me after 31 minutes 32 seconds as a Polar Ice Miler. It’s been an honor to swim with you.“

Post-event Thoughts

Barkai summed up his experiences in the Southern Ocean, “In Antarctica, you swim what Antarctica lets you. Respect it with humility and feel privileged to be among the few that Antarctica has opened its frozen arms for you. Regardless of your distance or speed, it was a real tough one.”

Test Swim 250m Results in -0.4°C water:

• Rory Fitzgerald 3:34.88
• Neil Hopkins (@neil0212) 3:51.66
• Kate Steels 3:55.58
• Martha Wood 4:04.37
• Sam Whelpton (@samwhelpton) 4:10.32
• Bulcsú Lengyel 4:11.81
• Ram Barkai 4:31.27
• Lynton Mortensen 4:39.69
• Anel Stydekova in 4:59.69
• Charlie Fluery in 5:10.50
• Adam Baker in 5:12.77
• Maxime Valabregue (@maximevalabregue) in 5:38.62
• Dr. Ruth Williamson in 5:54.59
• Wei-Ping Chew (@weipingchew89) in 6:33.87

Main Swim #1 in Port Lockroy on November 12th in -1.4°C water with 30 knot winds

• Lynton Mortensen 1000m in 25:53.00
• Rory Fitzgerald 750m in 12:12.05
• Charlie Fluery 750m in 21:38.95
• Anel Stydekova 750m in 18:58.95

Main Swim #2 in Danco Island on November 13th in -0.8°C water with 0 knot winds

• Neil Hopkins 1000m in 17:00.82
• Kate Steels 1000m in 17:37.94
• Sam Whelpton 1000m in 17:44.78
• Bulcsú Lengyel 1000m in 17:04.07
• Martha Wood 1000m in 20:24.17
• Wei-Ping Chew 750m in 25:37.00
• Maxime Valabregue 750m in 22:28.12
• Adam Baker 975m in 28:48.76

Last Ice Kilometer / Ice Mile Swim #3 in Argentinian Station on November 15th in -1.0°C

• Lynton Mortensen Ice Mile in 31:32
• Ram Barkai Ice Kilometer in 18:44

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