When most teenagers are soaking up the summer sun, Madeline Hobo is cutting through water that’s colder than your freezer. At just 16, the Taranaki-born ice swimmer has already made her mark on the global stage — and she’s doing it in a Toasty jacket.
In January 2025, Madeline joined the 16-strong Frozen Ferns team to represent New Zealand at the Ice Swimming World Championships in Molveno, Italy. The water temperature? A bone-chilling 1.9°C. Officials had to cut through 10cm of ice before the first race even began.
Golden Results in Icy Conditions
Despite being one of the youngest in the squad — and racing overseas for the first time — Madeline delivered a world-class performance:
- 500m Freestyle (U18) – Gold, Junior World Champion, and a Junior World Record of 7:14.50, smashing the previous mark by 40 seconds.
- 100m Breaststroke (U18) – Gold, with an Oceania Continental Record of 1:37.43, the second-fastest U18 time in the world.
- 250m Freestyle (U18) – Bronze.
Her results didn’t just win medals — they confirmed her as one of the most exciting young athletes in ice swimming today.
Nerves, Determination, and the Joy of Racing
Before the 500m, Madeline admits the pressure was intense.
“I was so nervous in the 500m it took away the fun of it. But when I got to the last bit and I knew I was going to finish, I got really pumped. I was so happy to be in the water.”
That race became a turning point, giving her the confidence to embrace the rest of the competition.
Toasty on the Pool Deck
Between events, the Frozen Ferns needed to recover fast — muscles cool quickly in sub-2°C water, and staying warm is critical for safety and performance.
That’s where Toasty came in. As proud sponsors of Madeline and the entire team, Toasty supplied ultra-warm, fleece-lined, weatherproof changing robes designed for extreme conditions. The swimmers wrapped themselves in their Toasty jackets after each race, locking in body heat, wicking away moisture, and keeping their muscles ready for the next event.
“The moment you zip up a Toasty after an ice swim, you can feel your body start to recover. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket you can wear anywhere,” says Madeline.
Proud to Represent New Zealand
For Madeline, Italy wasn’t just about the medals — it was about team spirit.
“We were definitely the best at cheering each other on, and everyone wanted to meet the New Zealand team.”
That energy, combined with the right gear, made the difference in one of the coldest competitive environments on the planet.
Feeling inspired?
Toasty is proud to support cold water athletes like Madeline Hobo — proving that with the right mindset, the right training, and the right Toasty jacket, you can take on the iciest challenges and come out smiling.
Shop Toasty Jackets – the recovery gear trusted by the Frozen Ferns in the world’s coldest swims.