Andy Donaldson Sets Record in 55km Ultramarathon Swim in Crocodile-Infested River
Ultramarathon swimmer sets record pace in 55km swim on crocodile-filled Australian river
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Andy Donaldson, a British-Australian ultramarathon swimmer, completed the 55km Dam to Dam Challenge in a record time of 11 hours and 51 minutes. The swim took place in the Ord River, known for its 5,500 freshwater crocodiles, from Lake Argyle to Kununurra in Western Australia, marking a significant achievement in endurance swimming.
- 01Andy Donaldson completed the swim in 11 hours and 51 minutes, breaking the previous record of 16 hours and 13 minutes.
- 02The swim took place in the Ord River, home to 5,500 freshwater crocodiles.
- 03Donaldson faced challenges including high temperatures reaching 34°C and unexpected headwinds.
- 04He emphasized the importance of teamwork and support during endurance challenges.
- 05Donaldson is recognized as one of the leading ultramarathon swimmers globally, having completed the Oceans Seven challenge in 2023.
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Andy Donaldson, a British-Australian ultramarathon swimmer, achieved a remarkable feat by completing the 55km Dam to Dam Challenge in the Ord River, from Lake Argyle to Kununurra in Western Australia. He finished in a record time of 11 hours and 51 minutes, surpassing the previous record of 16 hours and 13 minutes set by Simone Blaser in 2024. Despite the river's reputation for its 5,500 freshwater crocodiles, Donaldson felt safe throughout the swim, stating that the perceived danger was often exaggerated. The swim began at 5:38 am and was marked by challenges such as high temperatures reaching 34°C, a lack of buoyancy in freshwater, and unexpected headwinds. Donaldson expressed his joy over the experience, calling it the best swim he has ever done, highlighting the stunning scenery of ancient gorges and red cliffs. He credited his success to the support of his team and the local swimming community, who joined him for the final stretch. Known for his record-breaking achievements, Donaldson is one of the top ultramarathon swimmers worldwide.
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Donaldson's achievement highlights the potential for extreme sports in the region, promoting tourism and local engagement with outdoor activities.
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