About this episode
Send us a text This episode of Clever Dicks dives into the story of a man whose journey has taken him from the dance floors of Russia to the deep, cold waters of New Zealand. Ivan Polyntcev is one of those rare people who embodies both grace and grit, always with a smiling face. A former dancer in Russia in his youth, he made the bold move to New Zealand and found a whole new rhythm — in the ocean. Since then, he’s become a dedicated open-water swimmer, taking on some of Aotearoa’s most challenging swims, including the mighty Cook Strait, Lake Taupō, and even a gruelling 24-hour solo pool swim. When he’s not chasing his own goals, Ivan is in the water or on the boat helping other swimmers conquer their marathon dreams — offering the same encouragement and calm determination that have carried him through his own adventures. Recently married and with an ever-growing bucket list of swims ahead, Ivan’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and the power of passion — whether it’s on stage or in the sea. Cool dude.