Re: Sumotori Freezing in Nagano

[BAVK@aol.com]

You know, there's a group here in New York City called "The Polar Bears", and
they're mostly people in their 30's and up (to around 70+). Every year, on one
of the coldest days in New York, they all go out to Coney Island and head for
the ocean.  The TV stations all carry this.  The Polar Bears do this only a
few times a year - always during the winter and always when it is forecast to
be REALLY cold - like 0 C. or below 32 F.  They all appear healthy (although
maybe a little nuts to me) and none has ever been reported to have
complications from the various -thermia, etc.  Now, these people are not
padded, as are the sumotori - AND they do wear regular ol' bathing suits.

The Greeks also have a tradition of diving for a "cross" on one of the
religious holidays in January - maybe, Epiphany.  They not only do it here in
NY - I've seen reports from all over the world. 

Certainly if "normal"  people like you and me can do this without undue
adverse medical consequences, cannot our sumo-heroes endure this type of thing
for a little while?

Just adding to the discussion..............

Babanoshuzan