Don't feel bad if you've never heard of the United States Winter Swimming Championships. They haven't actually happened yet. Newport is hosting the inaugural event next month, in Lake Memphremagog.
This isn't about just jumping though a hole in the ice for a charitable cause (although that will be happening too). We're talking 25-, 50- and 100-meter races in a two-lane pool cut out of the lake ice.
The announcement was made Sunday in the Daily News of Open Water Swimming and the city of Newport confirmed confirmed the news today on Twitter.
Yes, it's true - Lake Memphremagog in Newport will host the United States Winter Swimming Championships on... http://t.co/i8ZSz8jOam
— NewportVermont (@NewportVT) January 13, 2015
Event director Phil White was quoted in the Daily News of Open water Swimming article, explaining the event.
"Work begins in earnest this week to prepare for the inaugural championships on Feb. 21 and 22," said White. "Winter swimmers from around the nation and around the world have already begun to make plans to travel to Newport, Vermont for the 25, 50, and 100 meter championship swims. Twenty-five swimmers have registered or committed to compete in in a 25-meter two-lane pool to be cut in the ice on Lake Memphremagog near The EastSide Restaurant in Newport."
He added, "For local novices, we will offer a charity plunge (a quick in-and-out of the pool) on Friday, Feb. 20, to raise money for Jess Sicotte, a Derby Elementary School teacher battling cancer, and to give our local residents an opportunity to experience what winter swimming is all about."
According to the announcement, the Newport Parks and Recreation Department will cut and prepare the 25-meter wood-lined pool on Jan. 23 and 24.
