On the streets of Wilno, Wilenski, Lithuania, Valerjan Romanovski (Poland) set a new Guinness World Records title for the longest duration full body contact with ice with a time of three hours and 28 seconds.
Valerjan spent six months training for this record title, which included submerging himself in ice and icy water, being outside in freezing temperatures and only bathing in cold water.
"I have been dealing with the cold for several years," said Valerjan.
"Half a year before the record, there was a decision made to try my strengths in this discipline. I did a few trainings after which I decided that the record was within reach."
"I approach the human body in a scientific way. I do believe that the potential of the body, and above all mind, is much greater than what we all assume."
Valerjan is also a keen cyclist and holds the Guinness World Records title for the farthest distance cycled off-road in 12 hours (male) with a distance of 314.65 km (195.51 miles).
"Working on the body and mind is my passion and it gives me great satisfaction," said Valerjan.
"I prepared for the ice record in a similar way to cycling (training, rest, regeneration)."
Despite the uniqueness of this record attempt and its physical demands, Valerjan was not phased.
"Workouts are not difficult for me, my body is prepared for them. I like new challenges. I use the knowledge of paramedics, scientists and doctors."
The greatest challenge for Valerjan was preparing himself mentally for this attempt.
"The hardest part was getting the mind ready for this record, the mind has to believe that it is possible."
The attempt for the longest duration full body contact with ice saw Valerjan stood inside a glass box on the street which was packed with ice up to his neck.
His body temperature was regularly checked with an in-ear thermometer, to ensure it didn’t drop below a critical level.
However, deciding to host his record attempt outside had some downsides.
"The conditions were unfavourable for breaking the record," said Valerjan.
"Outside was around 8 °C (46.4 °F) , windy and it rained from time to time."
The record to beat was 2 hr 35 min 33 sec, held by Romain Vandendorpe (France).
Valerjan passed this mark but, despite beating the record, he wanted to see how far he could push himself.
Remaining submerged in the ice, he dug in to see how long he was able to last.
He was shivering uncontrollably by the two hour 45 minute mark, but kept going.
When he hit three consecutive hours in the ice, he decided it was time to end the attempt.
After Valerjan left the ice, he was wrapped in blankets and sleeping bags and his temperature was continuously monitored to ensure his wellbeing.
His recovery didn't take very long, however.
"The record did not cause any health loss, it was not my limit for the day. On the second day, I was already entering the icy water. After a month I was completely regenerated."
"For me, the Guinness World Records certificate is a distinction and a sign that I have mastered a given field."
Just months after securing his latest record, Valerjan has plans in motion for over a dozen potentially record-breaking projects, including endurance cycling at temperatures of -170 °C (-274 °F).
Valerjan, who is an ambassador of the DKMS foundation, dedicates each of his records to people suffering from cancer.
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