Nov 26 (Reuters) - The sub-zero temperatures in Ruka in northern Finland took their toll on Swedish cross-country skier Calle Halfvarsson during a 20 km mass start event on Sunday as he lost all feeling in his private parts.
The 34-year-old eventually crossed the line in 18th place before rushing to the tents where the athletes were warming themselves back up.
"I had frozen my penis for real - I had to lie in there for 10 minutes to warm it up," Halfvarsson told Swedish newspaper Expressen.
The temperatures in Ruka have proven hazardous for male athletes before, with their thin suits and under-layers providing minimal protection against the cold.
Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Halfvarsson, Tommy Lund, Hugh Lawson
Organizations:
Calle, Swedish, Thomson
Locations:
Ruka, Finland, Gdansk