British-Australian ultramarathon swimmer Andy Donaldson has set a new record for the 55km Dam to Dam Challenge in Western Australia's Ord River, completing the swim in 11 hours and 51 minutes. The 35-year-old faced the added challenge of sharing the water with an estimated 5,500 freshwater crocodiles, one for every 10 metres of his route.
Donaldson, who started the swim at 5.38am, navigated the course from Lake Argyle to Kununurra in the East Kimberley region. Despite the presence of a 2.5-metre crocodile at the start ramp, he reported feeling safe throughout, thanks to thorough research and a support team that included Simone Blaser, the previous record holder who completed the swim in 16 hours and 13 minutes in 2024.
“It was a bit nerve-racking doing a swim in the open water,” Donaldson said. “There’s always a risk of wildlife. But the perceived fear is a lot bigger than it actually turns out to be.” He described the experience as “magical,” praising the ancient gorges, red cliffs, and spectacular sunrise.
The swim was not without difficulties: searing temperatures up to 34°C, a lack of buoyancy in freshwater, an unexpected headwind, and a section of “dead water” with no current all tested his endurance. Support boats provided shade, and local swimmers joined him for the final 200 metres to the finish at Swim Beach.
Donaldson, originally from Scotland and now based in Perth, is considered one of the world's leading ultramarathon swimmers. In 2023, he became the first person to complete the Oceans Seven marathon swim challenge in a single year. He emphasised the importance of teamwork, saying, “These challenges are never achieved alone.”
