Lewis Gordon Pugh: Ice Bear
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by user ActiveEnduranceSports
Lewis Pugh is a pioneer swimmer who is the only person to complete a long distance swim in every ocean in the world. Although he has a passion for swimming, he is driven by a greater purpose. Pugh is an avid environmentalist who offers a one of a kind point of view on climate change. During his explorations to areas where most will never see, he has witnessed significant habitat changes including, the retreat of glaciers, decreases in sea ice, coral bleaching, and the migration of animals to colder climates. Pugh has teamed up with a group of 27 coaches, scientists, doctors, boat drivers and environmental experts from all around the world to become a respected public speaker and political lobbyist in the global forum for environmental protection.
Lewis follows the rules of the Channel Swimming Association which only permits the swimmer to wear a Speedo, cap, and goggles. With Arctic swims in temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit, its hard to imagine how this is physically possible. As discussed yesterday in my blog about the “Iceman”, some people do possess this unique ability to endure such extreme temperatures. The phenomenon known in the science world as "anticipatory thermogenises", allows Pugh to protect his vital organs by elevating his core temperature by roughly 35 degrees Fahrenheit before even entering the water!
Here is a video of Lewis attempting to swim the River Thames from its source to sea (203 miles) in the Investec Thames Challenge :
