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, who started at 5.38am from Lake Argyle, finished at Swim Beach near Kununurra at 5.29pm, beating the previous record of 16 hours and 13 minutes set by Simone Blaser in 2024.
The Ord River is home to an estimated 5,500 freshwater crocodiles, roughly one for every 10 metres of the course. Despite the presence of a 2.5-metre crocodile at the start ramp, Donaldson said he never felt threatened, noting that freshwater crocodiles are smaller and more timid than saltwater species. His support crew included Blaser, who helped navigate the river.
Donaldson described the swim as 'magical', highlighting the ancient gorges, red cliffs, and spectacular sunrise. He called it 'the best swim I've ever done' and 'the most beautiful place for swimming I've ever experienced'. The swim was not without challenges, including searing temperatures up to 34C, reduced buoyancy in freshwater, an unexpected headwind, and a section of 'dead water' with no current.
Local swimmers joined Donaldson for the final 200 metres, and hundreds of people lined the riverbanks in Kununurra to welcome him. Donaldson, who holds multiple world records and in 2023 became the first person to complete the Oceans Seven challenge in a single year, emphasised the importance of his team: 'These challenges, they’re never achieved alone.'
