Irish endurance swimmers take double gold at World Winter Swimming Championships

TWO IRISH ENDURANCE swimmers took gold at the weekend’s World Winter Champonships in Latvia.

Rachel Doyle & Jerry Kiersey claimed top honours in the 450 metre event in Jurmala, Riga.

The ‘swimming pool’ course was cut out of ice in the River Lielupe which flows into the Baltic Sea while water temperatures were minus 1 degrees. Competitors at the event must not “with the exception of a hat, wear any additional clothing or wetsuits of any description.”

The pair were two of a team of 20 Irish swimmers who travelled to the Latvian capital for the event.

Ireland also picked up 2 silver medals at the event.

Rachel & Jerry pictured picking up their medals below and followed by views of the swimming pool and the Irish Team in Riga.