Text of a lecture delivered to the Sphex Club in Lynchburg. Ellen G. Nygaard's presentation, "32 Degrees Fahrenheit," explores the extraordinary achievements of long-distance swimmer Lynne Cox, focusing on her physical and genetic aptitudes for swimming in extremely cold conditions. Nygaard connects Cox's accomplishments to broader themes of human physical evolution, the modern sedentary lifestyle, and the obesity epidemic. She advocates for the benefits of exercise, particularly swimming, and concludes by highlighting Cox's inspirational belief in the power of individual effort to effect global change.
