Cold water swimming couple hope to conquer Europe

The couple qualified after competing against swimmers from across the country at Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham

A couple who met cold water swimming have qualified for the first ever European Ice Swimming Championships.

Sallie Cheung, 69, and her partner, 71-year-old Jonathan Coe, will be flying to Romania in February to represent Great Britain.

"My parents would have been so proud," said Ms Cheung. "I get very emotional about it."

The pair qualified at the Great Britain Ice Swimming Championships at Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham on 6 and 7 January.

Jonathan Coe, 71, and Sallie Cheung, 69, from Hucclecote, said there is a great community around cold water swimming

Ms Cheung and Mr Coe met while taking part in cold water swims at a lake at Cotswold Water Park.

"There was a great community there," said Ms Cheung.

"I saw John and John saw me in the water and then we were friends for about a year."

Ice swimming is a growing sport where swimmers compete various distances without wetsuits in water below 5C.

"It's not just for competing, but for fun. It's wonderful," said Ms Cheung.

"If you just get in and get straight out, you would think the water was too cold to contemplate.

"But if you stay in, your body does adjust once you control your breathing. And you have to learn to control your breathing over time."

The first ever European Ice Swimming Championships takes place in Romania in February

Mr Coe has been British champion in his age group for the past six years.

"I do it because I can. I'm not great at everything, but in the ice world, Sally and I are pretty good in regards to staying in water at low temperatures," he said.

The pair said that while there are fewer competitors in their age group, the sport is becoming more popular.

"We have noticed coming up through the ranks some really good swimmers," said Ms Cheung.

"Former Olympians have been starting to think they can extend their careers by going into cold water.

"The records we hold won't stand for very long."

The European Ice Swimming Championships take place in Oradea, Romania from February 1 to 4.