Chris Ballard discusses new book ‘The Plunge’ on cold water swimming

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 12:00 PM

Last updated Jun 15, 2026

Chris Ballard discusses new book ‘The Plunge’ on cold water swimming

Summary

Chris Ballard, a noted sportswriter, discusses his new book 'The Plunge: Maverick Swimmers, an Unlikely Quest, and the Transformative Power of Cold Water'. The book explores humanity's relationship with cold water, stemming from Ballard's journey through sports and personal recovery. His narrative intertwines the worlds of extreme cold therapy and competitive swimming, featuring characters including Olympic aspirants. The book aims to shed light on the psychological aspects of endurance sports and the science behind cold water therapy, offering insights into its benefits for aging athletes. It is available for purchase starting today.

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Status Watch

•Ballard played Division III basketball at Pomona College.
•The book includes themes of endurance and the psychology of extreme sports.
•Cold water swimming is defined as swimming in water below 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
•The narrative appeals to both sports fans and those interested in health recovery.
•'The Plunge' is available for purchase starting June 15.

Latest Updates

12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Sportswriter Chris Ballard on his latest book, ‘The Plunge’

What they're saying

"
Chris Ballard is best known for his work as a sportswriter, primarily during his time at Sports Illustrated. But once upon a time, he played Division III basketball at Pomona College in Claremont, California. His passion for the sport led to injuries later in life. Seeking treatment, he tried intense cold therapy. What he didn’t…
— Yahoo Sports

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