Ladyzhensky and Kaukonen

The annual World Sauna Championships in Finland have ended in tragedy with the death of one of the finalists.

Russian finalist Vladimir Ladyzhensky and Finnish rival Timo Kaukonen were both taken to hospital after collapsing and Mr Ladyzhensky later died…

Its chief organiser, Ossi Arvela, said all the rules of the event had been followed… Well, it’s OK, then.

He said: “All the rules were followed and there was enough first aid personnel. All the competitors needed to sign in to the competition with a doctor’s certificate.”

Mr Kaukonen, who was last year’s champion, is being treated in hospital at the city of Lahti.

The event, which has been running since 1999, requires participants to withstand 110ºC for as long as possible.

Dry-roasted contestant.