After the professional marathon races in Quebec, Canada, the organizers arrange for massages to the athletes. A few are hypothermic, but most are sore and extremely tired.

But in the hands of the experienced masseurs, frowns usually turn to smiles, aches usually result in a post-swim soreness. The swimmers are wrapped in a heap of warm towels and blankets. But then after a long shower and a good dinner, the young athletes occasionally enjoy socializing with their peers into the late hours of the evening.

In the case of the Traversée internationale du lac St-Jean, the swimmers are first carefully examined by physicians and are required to confirm there are no ill effects of hypothermia or over-exertion. Once cleared by the physician in the Traversée medical clinic, then they are cleared to go to drug testing.

Photo by Marcelo La Gattina, a photo-journalist and owner of Triamax, shows Mallory Mead after the 34 km Traversée Internationale du lac Memphrémagog held this weekend.

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