Ross Edgley’s unprecedented attempt to swim around Iceland spanned 1,000 miles through some of the coldest and most treacherous waters on Earth. Battling relentless sub-zero temperatures, powerful currents, and violent storms, Edgley endured extreme physical and mental challenges. What made his feat particularly harrowing was the damage sustained to his body-most notably, his tongue began to deteriorate from constant exposure to freezing saltwater and relentless biting due to muscle fatigue. This unique injury highlighted just how brutally taxing the swim was, even affecting parts of the body rarely considered vulnerable to such intense physical ordeal.

Throughout the journey, Edgley’s body underwent a grueling test of endurance with constant nutritional demands and environmental stresses. To illustrate the critical challenges he faced, here’s a glimpse at key factors during his…