Lexington Swimmers Brave Freezing Mornings for 6 AM Winter Practices

The Lexington Dolphins Masters team gathers before sunrise to swim laps in an 80-degree pool, even when it's 12 degrees outside.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:57am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the fluid movements and energy of swimmers in an outdoor pool, with the water and swimmers dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of color.A community of dedicated swimmers in Lexington, Virginia, refuse to let freezing winter mornings stop them from pursuing their passion for the sport.Lexington Today

Despite frigid winter weather, a group of adult swimmers in Lexington, Virginia, gather at 6 a.m. several days a week to practice with the Lexington Dolphins Masters team. The water temperature remains a comfortable 80 degrees, providing a warm respite from the freezing outdoor air as the swimmers push through intense workouts before heading to their day jobs.

Why it matters

This story highlights the dedication and passion of a community of adult swimmers who refuse to let cold weather derail their training regimen. It showcases how swimming can be a year-round sport that brings people together, even in the harshest conditions.

The details

The Lexington Dolphins Masters team meets at the Millpond Pool, located off Man O' War and Boston Road. Kristy Maggard, a 48-year-old swimmer on the team, notes that they've braved temperatures as low as 12 degrees, with ice and snow often covering their practice sheets. Despite the frigid air, the water temperature remains a cozy 80 degrees, creating a 'snow globe' effect that the swimmers enjoy. The team includes a mix of former college stars, beginners learning to swim laps, and a 60-year-old grandfather working to become a stronger swimmer for his grandchildren.

  • The Lexington Dolphins Masters team gathers for practice at 6 a.m. several days a week, even in the winter.
  • The team has swam in temperatures as low as 12 degrees.

The players

Kristy Maggard

A 48-year-old swimmer on the Lexington Dolphins Masters team who has been swimming competitively since age 7.

Dave Doolin

The CEO of the Lexington Dolphins, who encourages newcomers to join the team and not be intimidated by swimming.

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What they’re saying

“Here we are at a 6 a.m. Lexington Dolphins master swim team practice. We're right off Man O' War and Boston Road, at Mill Pond pool, and we've got, I don't know, over 10 of us swimming, and it's 6:01.”

— Kristy Maggard, Swimmer

“The coldest day we've ever swam was 12 degrees, which was awesome. We've had ice, snow, and often our practice sheets are frozen.”

— Kristy Maggard, Swimmer

“For the athletes, it's great. They love it. It's warm. It might be snowing, but inside the water it feels like you're in a snow globe.”

— Dave Doolin, CEO, Lexington Dolphins

“People often think we're crazy. My husband does. I think it's simply a love for the sport. I'm 48 years old and started swimming when I was 7.”

— Kristy Maggard, Swimmer

“It isn't as scary as it sounds. People get discouraged because they think, 'I've never done this before,' but we have folks who never swam competitively. Some are in the water for the first time, swimming laps.”

— Dave Doolin, CEO, Lexington Dolphins

What’s next

The Lexington Dolphins Masters team will continue their early morning winter practices throughout the season, pushing through the cold to maintain their dedication to the sport.

The takeaway

This story showcases the unwavering passion and commitment of a community of adult swimmers in Lexington, Virginia, who refuse to let freezing temperatures stop them from pursuing their love of the sport. Their dedication to gathering for pre-dawn practices, even in the harshest winter conditions, is a testament to the power of swimming to bring people together and foster a sense of camaraderie.