Nomination: Rostislav Vítek

Subject: Letter of Nomination – IISA Hall of Fame Dear Ram , It is my great privilege, on behalf of IISA Czech, to nominate Rostislav Vítek for induction into the International Ice Swimming Association Hall of Fame. Rostislav Vítek is one of the true pioneers of Czech open water and ice swimming. His sporting career spans more than four decades, during which he has represented the Czech Republic with distinction in pool swimming, marathon swimming, open water swimming, and, ultimately, ice swimming. Throughout this remarkable journey, he has consistently demonstrated the values that define our sport: perseverance, humility, courage, integrity, and respect for nature. As an Olympian in the 10 km Marathon Swim at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Rostislav competed at the highest level of international sport. Yet even after achieving Olympic success, he continued to seek new challenges and became one of the early ambassadors of ice swimming, helping to establish and promote the discipline during its formative years. One of the defining milestones of his career came in 2015, when he set the Ice Mile World Record, completing the 1,650-metre distance in water below 5°C in an outstanding time of 20 minutes and 29 seconds. This performance was a landmark achievement in the history of ice swimming and demonstrated what could be accomplished through exceptional preparation, resilience, and determination. Mobil: (+420) 774522654 | E-mail: filip@iisaczech.cz His contribution, however, extends far beyond competition results. Rostislav has inspired countless swimmers through coaching, mentoring, public presentations, and by promoting the values of ice swimming both within the Czech Republic and internationally. He has always represented our community with dignity and has helped introduce new athletes to this unique sport. Even today, his passion for ice swimming remains undiminished. At the 2026 IISA European Championships in Molveno, he once again demonstrated his exceptional abilities by winning multiple Masters titles, proving that commitment to excellence has no age limit. His achievements continue to motivate athletes of all generations. In our opinion, the Hall of Fame should recognize not only extraordinary athletic performances but also individuals whose lifelong dedication has helped shape the history, reputation, and future of ice swimming. Rostislav Vítek embodies these qualities in every respect. For these reasons, IISA Czech is proud to nominate Rostislav Vítek for induction into the International Ice Swimming Association Hall of Fame. We sincerely believe his achievements, character, and enduring contribution to the sport make him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious honour. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued dedication to the development of ice swimming around the world. With kind regards, Filip Jícha President, IISA Czech On behalf of the IISA Czech Team Mobil: (+420) 774522654 | E-mail: filip@iisaczech.cz

I am the president of IISA CZECH; Mr. Rostislav Vitek is the captain of our national team, and I am not related to him in any way. I am nominating him for his determination and the outstanding performances he has demonstrated throughout his life, whether as a long-distance swimmer or now as a winter swimmer and our captain.

Thank you

Filip Jicha

IISA CZECH

Subject: Letter of Nomination – IISA Hall of Fame Dear Ram , It is my great privilege, on behalf of IISA Czech, to nominate Rostislav Vítek for induction into the International Ice Swimming Association Hall of Fame. Rostislav Vítek is one of the true pioneers of Czech open water and ice swimming. His sporting career spans more than four decades, during which he has represented the Czech Republic with distinction in pool swimming, marathon swimming, open water swimming, and, ultimately, ice swimming. Throughout this remarkable journey, he has consistently demonstrated the values that define our sport: perseverance, humility, courage, integrity, and respect for nature. As an Olympian in the 10 km Marathon Swim at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Rostislav competed at the highest level of international sport. Yet even after achieving Olympic success, he continued to seek new challenges and became one of the early ambassadors of ice swimming, helping to establish and promote the discipline during its formative years. One of the defining milestones of his career came in 2015, when he set the Ice Mile World Record, completing the 1,650-metre distance in water below 5°C in an outstanding time of 20 minutes and 29 seconds. This performance was a landmark achievement in the history of ice swimming and demonstrated what could be accomplished through exceptional preparation, resilience, and determination. Mobil: (+420) 774522654 | E-mail: filip@iisaczech.cz His contribution, however, extends far beyond competition results. Rostislav has inspired countless swimmers through coaching, mentoring, public presentations, and by promoting the values of ice swimming both within the Czech Republic and internationally. He has always represented our community with dignity and has helped introduce new athletes to this unique sport. Even today, his passion for ice swimming remains undiminished. At the 2026 IISA European Championships in Molveno, he once again demonstrated his exceptional abilities by winning multiple Masters titles, proving that commitment to excellence has no age limit. His achievements continue to motivate athletes of all generations. In our opinion, the Hall of Fame should recognize not only extraordinary athletic performances but also individuals whose lifelong dedication has helped shape the history, reputation, and future of ice swimming. Rostislav Vítek embodies these qualities in every respect. For these reasons, IISA Czech is proud to nominate Rostislav Vítek for induction into the International Ice Swimming Association Hall of Fame. We sincerely believe his achievements, character, and enduring contribution to the sport make him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious honour. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued dedication to the development of ice swimming around the world. With kind regards, Filip Jícha President, IISA Czech On behalf of the IISA Czech Team Mobil: (+420) 774522654 | E-mail: filip@iisaczech.cz