European Ice Swimming Championship in Molveno: Waschburger back in the ice
From 3 to 7 February, the International Ice Swimming Association are holding the 2nd European Open Championship in Lago di Molveno (ITA). This championship is one of the top events in the discipline of ice swimming – with races covering various distances, mixed relays, and water temperatures just above freezing (current temperature 1-2 degrees). Joining the fray is extreme swimmer Andreas Waschburger, who has travelled to Molveno to compete for the European Championship title once again.
Waschi’s Molveno schedule
After registration, a medical check and the opening ceremony on Monday, he is entered in four competitions – three individual races and one relay. The starting times are guidelines:
- Tuesday: 500 m freestyle – fastest heat, approx. 4:50 p.m.
- Wednesday: 250 m freestyle – fastest heat, approx. 1:50 p.m.
- Friday: 1,000 m freestyle – fastest heat, approx. 2:55 p.m.
- Saturday: 4 × 250 m mixed relay, approx. 12:30 p.m.
His aim is clear: he plans to swim for the title once again.
Experience, success and an extraordinary sporting chapter
Waschburger has been one of the defining figures of ice swimming for several years. 2023 brought him international attention at his first Ice Swimming World Championship – with numerous world records and medals. 2024 marked the next highlight: two European Championship titles, two world records and the unofficial title of ‘King of the Ice’. 2025 then saw the next Ice Swimming World Championship (in Molveno) where the Saarland swimmer won another two world championship titles – this time without adding any records but demonstrating impressive consistency at the highest level.
In any case, 2025 was an exceptional year for Waschi: he successfully completed his Ocean’s Seven mission, one of the hardest challenges in long-distance swimming – crossing seven of the most difficult straits in the world. An overall time of 49:37:40 hours meant that he was the first person to come in under the 50‑hour mark, setting a new world record – as well as new individual records for three of the seven straits. This performance put him into the Guinness World Records book, as well as definitively catapulting him to the world elite of extreme swimming.
Combining family with competition
Waschburger arrived in Molveno on Saturday. His most recent Instagram post described how this was a rather special departure: his wife Jasmin was unable to accompany him as usual – and he was travelling as a brand-new father for the first time. His daughter Mila was born very recently, which did not make the trip to Molveno any easier. Despite this emotional situation, his focus remains clear: ‘I want to do my best and defend my European championship title.’
I want to do my best and defend my European championship title.
Andreas Waschburger
HYLO® SPORT following the European Championship week
HYLO® SPORT will be following the competition days in Molveno on its own social media channels – offering insights from Italy, updates on the races, and some moments from the event.
The next few days will be intense. Waschburger will be sticking to his strengths: calm, experience and a clear plan for every race. We wish him energy, stamina and great racing in Molveno.