Cool under pressure: Student Quinn Boyle makes a splash on the world stage

The Lincoln University sports scholar made a serious splash at the sixth World Ice Swimming Championships in Molveno, Italy, bagging silver medals in the 1000m and 500m events for his age group.

And if you’re wondering just how cold it was – regulations stipulate it must be below 5°C, with nothing but a swimsuit, cap, and goggles for protection.

Breaking the ice of the competition pool

Competing as part of New Zealand’s 15-strong Frozen Ferns, Quinn went up against the world’s best in a sport that’s as much about mental toughness as it is about speed.

His podium finish in the 1000m was particularly impressive, as the distance is considered the ultimate challenge in Ice Swimming. He also placed in the top five swimmers overall in his specialist distances. 

“I’m really happy with how the comp went, especially placing fifth overall in the 500-metre freestyle. I swam a really controlled race and managed to get a personal best time,” he said.

Quinn took up swimming properly in high school, working his way up to marathon swimming. He was spending so much time in cold ocean water anyway, so why not try ice swimming? He dived into the icy side of the sport in 2022 at age 16, then competed in his first World Ice Swimming Championships in France a year later.

Preparation for his second world champs was simple. 

“Pool swimming paired with open water swimming and the odd Ice bath is how I got ready for the comp.”

And when the racing was over, he made the most of his time in the Italian Alps, switching to skiing and snowboarding. 

He also spent time working for Zespri in Northen Europe, adding to his industry knowledge as he headed into his second year of studying for a Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing at Lincoln.

Quinn with his medals

Growing up on an orchard in Te Puke, Quinn was always interested in agriculture and the business side of things. With his elite sporting career taking off, coming to Lincoln with the Sports Scholarship was the perfect opportunity to develop both passions. 

“The Sports Scholarship has been amazing – the gym sessions with the testing and programmes, right through to the nutritionist and academic support. I was shocked to see how much support comes with it.”

Quinn encouraged anyone on the fence about applying to give it a go.

“It gives you the tools required to help you keep going and improve within your sport heaps.”

 With winter closing in, Quinn's training will only ramp up. 

The next Ice Swimming World Champs in 2027 are already on his radar, along with another attempt at swimming the Cook Strait and a crack at the Ice Mile – a famously brutal mile-long ice swim.

Our Sports Scholarship allowed Quinn to pursue his passion while studying what he loves. Interested in seeing what it could do for you? Check out more information here.