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Wednesday 26 December 2007

An Icy Cure For Christmas Indulgence

A group of Russian ice swimmers say their sport is the perfect antidote for too much excess. (Sky News)

When the temperature drops the winter sports enthusiasts - who are known as walruses - are the first to strip off. Swimming in frozen lakes and rivers is a popular pastime across Russia.

Practitioners believe jumping into freezing water is good for the circulation and can make you healthier. For some it is also a spiritual experience. But to the uninitiated foreigner it simply looks plain mad.