Wim Hof

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Wim Hof

"Iceman" Wim Hof immersed in an ice bath
Nationality Dutch
Occupation Record breaker
Website
www.innerfire.nl

Wim Hof (born April 20, 1959, Sittard) is a Dutch man, commonly nicknamed Iceman. He holds nine world records including a world record for longest ice bath.[1] In 2007, he attempted, but failed, to climb Mount Everest wearing nothing but shorts.[2][3] He plans another attempt in 2008. Hof has been criticized for his stated justifications for this attempt, "Edmund Hillary's ascent of Mount Everest was a testament to human achievement, my climb of Mount Everest in my shorts will be a monument to the frivolous, decadent nature of modern society."[4]

Wim Hof broke his previous world record by staying for 1 hour 13 minutes and 48 seconds immersed in ice At Guinnes World Records2008. The night before, he performed the act on the Today Show. Dr. Kenneth Kamler monitored the event to explain the effects of using the Tantric practice Tummo to control your body temperature. Tummo has been practiced by Yogi Monks in Tibet. Apparently Wim is the only known non-monk to have mastered Tummo. Wim describes his ability to withstand extreme cold temperatures as being able to turn his own thermostat up by using his brain.

Wim Hof did climb the Mount Everest, and almost got on the top. He has four children with his late wife, and one child with his present girlfriend.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Interview with Hof, BBC. Conducted in 2002 following his ice bath immersion.
  2. ^ "Dutch Iceman to climb Everest in shorts: It's all about the inner fire", MountEverest.net
  3. ^ "Everest climber falls short", The Age, May 29, 2007. Online copy
  4. ^ "Everest climb fuels commercialisation debate", Sydney Morning Herald, April 16, 2007.

[edit] External links

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