Winter swimmers splash in icy Baikal to support Russia’s Olympic athletes

The chilly swim in the world’s largest and deepest lake was dedicated to the athletes who will not be taking part under their country’s flag at the Winter Olympics this year in South Korea.

The ban was imposed on Russian sportsmen and women as a result of the doping scandal.

Andrey Bugay, president of winter swimming club ‘Pribaikaltsy' said: 

'During the winter swimming Cup of Russia it was decided to run an event to support our Olympic athletes across 27 regions.

'We are protesting against politics in sport, and express our support to athletes.' 

The chilly swim in the world’s largest and deepest lake. Pictures: Andrey Bugay

The temperature at Baikal was bracing .

‘The air temperature was minus 15°C, and water was around 0°C,’ said Andrey, 44.

As a warm-up, the winter swimmers went skating in their swim wear.