COMPETITION DAY On the day of the competition, Saleta wakes Jorge up early. — We’re going out to sea, she says. The vast ice cover of the Gulf of Bothnia makes people feel humble. You are struck by your own insignificance. — It’s important, says Saleta, that you don’t think you are someone special. It’s connected to the way of life up here, it’s called the Law of Jante. At the sign-up, Jorge is humbler than ever before. He has also found some support from two local winter swimmers, and a Spaniard — Israel. Now, the four of them are on the way down to the swimming lane. The pool sized hole in the ice. — An average winter swimmer can do 25 metres in 20.4 seconds, explains Saleta. You’ll have to beat that. — Yes, who wants to be average? Jorge replies. It would seem that he has already forgotten about the Law of Jante. SUCCESS As the times are recorded, it is clear. Jorge finished in under 20 seconds. The challenge has been completed. He gives a big smile and hugs his fellow 26
competitors. They celebrate, on the ice. In dressing gowns, flip flop sandals and a light snowfall. Local televisions wants an interview. Jorge is excited about the victory and speaks straight into the camera, about everything and nothing. In the evening, they eat well at Restaurang Bryggargatan. They toast their successes with other winter swimmers. Before they finish for the night, Jorge says: — Saleta, I have done many things in my life, but this is actually one of the best things I’ve ever experienced. — I know, says Saleta, zipping up her large winter jacket. Lantliv Lodge • www.lantlivlodge.se Svansele Vildmarkscenter • www.svansele.se Lappland Emotions • www.lapplandemotion.com Swenature • www.swenature.se
The Ice Challenge: Documentary You can watch the Ice Challenge minidocumentary at www.visitskelleftea.se/ice-challenge DE ST I NAT I ONS OF SW E DI S H L A PL A ND S KEL L EFTEÅ