Wim Hof, AKA ‘The Iceman’, is a motivational speaker and extreme athlete who has achieved multiple world records for his ability to withstand cold temperatures. Though many of his records have since been bested since he first set them in the early 2000s, Wim Hof continues to inspire many with his outlook on concentration and willpower.
Throughout his career, his approach to training the body and the mind has earned him acclaim from many. Not only has he been able to prove that his approach works, but he’s also been the subject of medical assessment and even a best-selling book, titled What Doesn’t Kill Us.
As of 2023, Wim Hof continues to teach the importance of breathing techniques, though he is no longer active in attempting to set new world records. His outlook has helped many develop a new approach to their daily routines—even if they aren’t extreme athletes like Hof.
In fact, tapping into certain practices to boost mobility and concentration has gained popularity in the last twenty years. Today, professionals of all stripes rely on a few handy tips to streamline their thinking.
For example, poker pros often work to optimize their concentration before a big tournament by getting plenty of rest, eating well, and, of course, putting in practice. Though poker isn’t an extreme sport, the same principles apply: take a deep breath, focus the mind, and get into the flow.
Wim Hof Wiki, Biography, Career Background
Wim Hof was born in Sittard, Netherlands, in 1959, alongside his twin brother, Andre. At an early age, he was interested in changing the world—and in extremely cold environments. After losing his first wife, in 1995, Hof decided to start down the path of changing the world, one incredible feat at a time.
Only five years later, he was able to set the Guinness World Record for the farthest swim under ice, which he performed in Pello, Finland. Hof was able to swim for a total of 188.6 feet and held this record until 2013. At that time, Stig Severinsen managed to swim 250 feet under the ice.
In 2013, Hof broke previous records he had set for the longest time in direct, full-body contact with ice when he maintained exposure for 1 hour and 53 minutes. In 2019, this record was surpassed by Josef Köberl with a total time of 2 hours and 8 minutes.
Aside from these feats, Hof has also set records in other ice-related feats. In 2002, he spent a total of 6 minutes and 20 seconds under the ice without breathing. In 2007, he ran a full marathon in the Arctic Circle in only a pair of shorts. One of his greatest feats was summitting Mount Kilimanjaro in only 48 hours in 2009—and while only wearing a pair of shorts and shoes.
Who Is Wim Hof’s Wife? Is He Married Again Following His Wife’s Death?
Wim Hof’s was married to his wife Olaya Hof, but sadly passed away in 1995, the couple were married for a short period of time. After his wife’s tragic passing, The Iceman Wim Hof is not married and is single at the moment. Wim Hof’s approach to overcoming the odds on ice comes down to three main points: cold therapy, breathing, and meditation. As a motivational speaker, Hof now focuses on working with his son, Enahm, to educate others who are interested in overcoming physical and mental obstacles.
Unsurprisingly, Hof has faced his fair share of prying from the public—and quite a few naysayers. In 2016, one investigative journalist from the US, Scott Carney, decided to debunk Hof’s outlook. The pair set out for Kilimanjaro, where Hof eventually scaled to Gilmans Point in 28 hours wearing only shorts and shoes.
The feat impressed Carney enough that his skeptical outlook transformed into an exploration of human evolution and the power behind our biology. The project, titled What Doesn’t Kill Us, became a New York Times Bestseller when it was released by Penguin Random House in 2018.
How Much Is Wim Hof Net Worth in 2023?
Wim Hof’s net worth is estimated between $1 and $3 million as of 2023. With a list of broken records under his belt and a best-selling book that has focused, at least in part, on his exploits, Hof continues to tour as a motivational speaker today.
