Swimmer raises awareness on climate change in freezing Antarctic waters
Pugh became the first person to complete a long-distance swim in all five oceans in 2006.
MOSCOW (Reuters) – British endurance swimmer and United Nations patron of oceans Lewis Gordon Pugh braved the freezing temperatures of East Antarctica, swimming in its icy rivers, to raise awareness about climate change.
The water temperature was around 0 Celsius (32 Fahrenheit) while the chilly gusts of wind reached -15 C (5 F), according to measurements carried out by expedition crew
Speaking about his journey and goals in Moscow on Monday (January 27) Pugh said the extreme swimming was part of his campaign to help preserve the region’s habitat.
Pugh, a polar explorer and former maritime lawyer, became the first person to complete a long-distance swim in all five oceans in 2006.
Pugh’s ability to withstand cold and raise his body temperature in anticipation of a swim has intrigued many top sports scientists and earned him the nickname of "The Polar Bear".
