About us
Welcome to the team behind the Winter Swimming World Championship 2026
We combine Finnish know-how, careful planning, and warm hospitality to make sure every detail — from the tracks to the event atmosphere — reflects the spirit of winter swimming: resilience, joy, friendship and connection with nature. Whether you are competing, supporting, or discovering the sport for the first time, we want you to feel welcome, inspired, and part of our international community.
From March 2 to 8, we are proud to welcome the global winter swimming community to Oulu, Finland — a city where winter is not just a season, but a way of life. Our organising team brings together experienced event professionals, local clubs, volunteers, and passionate winter swimmers who share one goal: to create a safe, memorable, and truly unique championship for participants and visitors from around the world.
We look forward to sharing the magic of Oulu’s winter with you.
Meet the team
The brilliant people behind the Winter Swimming World Championship 2026.
Mariia Yrjö-Koskinen
IWSA and WSWC 2026 president
Founder and President of the International Winter Swimming Association, with a 20-year passion for the sport and friendships made worldwide. A proud parent of four longtime competitors — always racing together as a family team. Delighted to celebrate the anniversary in my hometown, Oulu, and welcome everyone to the World Championships.
Tuuli Tiirikkala
Financial director
Involved in winter swimming for 30 years and active year-round again for the past decade, including competitions. I value the global community and the people who make it special. Right hand to our president, Mariia Yrjö-Koskinen — you’ll likely see us together at WSWC 2026 ❤️
Irina Ermolaeva
Office and marketing manager
Marketing specialist for WSWC 2026, bringing a passion for creativity and communication. Inspired by nature, travel, and capturing meaningful moments. Proud to support an event where cold-water swimmers have the warmest spirit.
Elisa Yrjö-Koskinen
Program director
Winter swimming since childhood — sometimes by choice, sometimes with a little push. I love sprint events and the joy of the water. A firm believer in the benefits of cold exposure, it’s part of my year-round life. Program Director for WSWC 2026, excited to welcome swimmers to a memorable championship.
Salla Lamminpää
Staff manager, President of Oulu Winter Swimming Club
Winter swimmer for 15+ years, competing for 10. I love the global community this sport brings together. Chair of Oulu Winter Swimming Club, helping grow and promote winter swimming.
Mervi Hillukkala
Communication director
Year-round open-water swimmer who loves the cold and shares this passion with my spouse. Swam the Kvarken (Vaasa–Umeå) in a three-person relay. Dreaming of scenic long-distance swims and excited for the 450 m race in Oulu.
Rauno Pärg
Event system director
Passionate athlete and competitive swimmer with strong experience organizing winter swimming events. Part of the team behind the 2024 World Championships in Tallinn.
Samuli Keisu
Technical venue director
Raised in the cold north, where I became a Finnish junior triathlon champion. At 16, I even built a mobile sauna to keep training through winter. Now based in Oulu, I stay active with winter swimming, construction work, and building saunas — with nature, exercise, and sauna culture still central to my life.
John Coningham-Rolls
IWSA vice-president, SwimQuest co-founder
Winter swimming is a constant in my life, with regular swims at Tooting Bec Lido and Serpentine. I’ve introduced many people to the sport and look forward to welcoming even more to our 20th anniversary World Championships in Oulu.
Colin Hill
IWSA vice-president, Ullswater Swim Place founder
Inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and International Ice Swimming Hall of Fame. Organizer of major open-water events, including the London 2012 Olympics. Long-distance and cold-water swimmer since 2008, and owner/head coach at Ullswater Swim Place.
Aleksandra Kabelis
IWSA board member, Record relay manager
Passionate swimmer and event organiser in Poland, from small local swims to IWSA World Cup competitions with hundreds of swimmers from 20+ countries. I love big challenges and will be overseeing the World Record Relay at WSWC 2026 — see you in Finland.
Matias Ola
IWSA board member, PR director
Open-water swimmer and founder of Nadando Argentina. Serving as PR for WSWC 2026 is an honour. I’ve led international initiatives from Argentina and value IWSA’s global impact on the future of winter swimming.
Lars Mack
IWSA board member, Safety manager
Safety manager for WSWC Oulu with 23 years in police, Navy, and oyster farming in Scotland. Organiser of the Scottish Winter Swimming Championships, experienced in safety and security. Excited to welcome swimmers from around the world.
See you soon.