Finalist dies in World Sauna Championships

Vladimir Ladyzhenskiy, left, and Timo Kaukonen sit during the men's final at the Sauna World Championships in Heinola, Finland on Saturday. The final two competitors had to be removed by force from the sauna and rushed to a hospital after being badly burned during the competition. Vladimir Ladyzhenskiy was later declared dead and the contest suspended.



Vladimir Ladyzhenskiy was pronounced dead. Timo kaukonen condition is stable after hospitalization.

I just can't stop thinking about this.

According to local rumours one or both of the competitors had refused to come out when told so. Six minutes in is not an excessive time (although the heat is a bit excessive) but the way they dispense the water to the rocks in the competition is hardcore.

The contestants do go through health checks before they can enter the competition. Personally I prefer an 80 °C hot sauna.