Dutch extreme athlete, motivational speaker and wellbeing influencer Wim Hof is known as the Iceman. He earned his nickname after setting 26 Guinness world records, which include swimming under ice, running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle barefoot, submerging himself in ice for 1hr 52mins and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in just shorts and sandals. He divides his time between Poland and the Netherlands and he is fronting the new BBC One series Freeze the Fear With Wim Hof.
How did your new series come about?
It came out of the growing popularity of wild swimming, cold therapy and deep breathing, especially during Covid. I developed the format with [UK production company] Hungry Bear Media and was thrilled when the BBC came onboard. There’s suddenly so much interest because people are looking for ways to gain more control over their mind and body.
How does it feel to become a TV star aged 62?
I don’t care about being a star but the BBC endorsing it pleases me to the bottom of my heart. It’s the greatest shop window if you’re a man on a mission, which I am. If I have to be a star, a planet or a rock, I’ll do it. I just want to make the world a better place.
What’s the significance of the title, Freeze the Fear?
Fear is deep within us, only we cannot get a hold of it. But go into freezing cold and suddenly you’re in the same area where fear comes from. We normally don’t access it because we live in our comfort zone but by going into the cold, you tap into this prehistoric deep brain stem. And then you can get a grip of your fear, hence Freeze the Fear.
The series follows eight celebrities, including Gabby Logan and Professor Green, facing extreme challenges. Such as?
They start by plunging into icy water in the Italian Alps, then become more daring as the series progresses. Some challenges are about the combination of subzero temperatures and motor feats. Trying to stay in control on a beam over an abyss is tough enough. Add freezing cold conditions to vertigo and it’s almost too much for your brain. So they face their fears absolutely. Deep emotions and deep trauma come to the surface.
Some of them suffer from insomnia or anxiety. Does the show help them?
Definitely. It’s very effective. Anxiety comes from inflammation caused by the stresses of our society. It’s a signal that your body’s chemistry and functionality is at stake. The series shows how to harness the therapeutic power of the cold to get a grip of your own biochemistry. I make it practical, so people watching at home can also take away tools to use in their daily life. As I always say: a cold shower a day keeps the doctor away.
Are there scary moments?
Lots. Swimming under the ice, for example, is bloody scary because it’s a different world. The cold exerts control over your body, then you must overcome your claustrophobia as well. Man, that is more than scary. It’s life and death. Pure danger. But we have a lot of fun as well. It’s a very bonding experience. When people have a common enemy, which is the cold, it binds them. There’s a tribal aspect to it.
You’re known as the Iceman and the Cold King. Do you mind those nicknames?
They’re OK but I’m a vibrant, wholehearted person who is absolutely not all about the cold. Don’t tell anybody but I hate the cold!
And there’s a feature film called The Iceman in the pipeline too?
Yes, a Hollywood movie with Joseph Fiennes playing me. Kevin Macdonald is directing and Jeff Pope has already finished the screenplay.
You first discovered the power of the cold when you were a teenager, right?
Yes, aged 17. I was quite a thinker, a philosopher, but one day I felt attracted to the freezing water. I jumped into a canal in Amsterdam and thought: “This is it!” That deep connection I felt that day was the starting point. Every day for the 45 years since, I’ve gone into the cold. And here I am. I’m 62, I’m bloody strong and I love life.
You’ve broken 26 world records. What’s your proudest achievement?
There was a moment, swimming under the ice, when I found myself. I lost my way because my corneas froze underwater. I had no goggles on, just shorts, holding my breath. I was under a metre-thick layer of ice in Finland, lost and blind. But I never felt like I was drowning. No panic or pain. I felt at peace and in control. That experience brought me so much. In the end, a safety diver brought me back by pulling me by the ankles to the exit hole which I’d passed long ago. I did a huge gasp for air when I came up. In that moment, I conquered the fear of death. Now I’m not afraid of dying. I’m afraid not to live.
What do you make of the recent surge in wild swimming?
There are now more than 4 million people in Britain going to natural bodies of water. It grew explosively during Covid because it was such a confusing, restricting time. It had a depressing effect on people. But in cold water, you lose yourself. It’s great for mood, it’s stress relief, it’s a cardiovascular workout, it’s great for blood flow and deep breathing. Cold water does it all.
You spend a lot of time in cold weather wearing just underpants. Is “shrinkage” a problem?
[Laughs] When people ask “How cold is the weather?”, I always say: [holds his fingers apart] “That cold!” It’s my thermometer. I can show you how cold it is but maybe you don’t see it.
And you have six children…
I’m 62 and still thinking about another one. Not thinking, I’m already working on it. My youngest is four and my oldest is 39 so there’s 35 years of difference. I also just became a grandad for the first time, which I love.
You have an A-list following, including Tom Cruise, David Beckham and Oprah. Have you become friends?
Sure, but they’re just normal people. This is the way I talk to them too. They get acquainted with my methods, they thank me and if I’m in the neighbourhood, I’m most welcome at their houses. They love to meet me because I’m the man who’s been there and done it.
You turn 63 this month. How will you celebrate?
By spending 63 minutes in icy water. I’ll put it on Instagram to show that the older you get, the stronger you get. Look at this [does the splits]. I’m not warmed up but I just made the splits. I’m 63 soon and as flexible as a ballerina.
Freeze the Fear With Wim Hof begins on BBC One on Tuesday 12 April at 9pm
