AUSTRALIA: British-origin Australian ultra-endurance swimmer Andy Donaldson has set a remarkable world record by swimming 55 kilometres through a river known to be inhabited by crocodiles, completing the feat in just under 12 hours.
Donaldson and his team were fully aware of the extreme risks involved in the swim across the Ord River in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, an area home to freshwater crocodiles reportedly reaching lengths of up to 2.5 metres. Despite the danger, he undertook the challenge alone as part of an endurance attempt to set a new world record.
The swimmer had initially planned to complete the 55-kilometre stretch in the shortest possible time, and his performance ultimately surpassed expectations. He finished the swim in 11 hours and 52 minutes, breaking the previous record set in 2024 by Simone Blaser, who had completed the same distance in over 16 hours.
The Ord River is known for its dense wildlife population, including thousands of freshwater crocodiles, with reports suggesting that in some stretches, a crocodile may be present every few metres. Alongside crocodiles, the region is also home to birds of prey, foxes, and other wildlife, making it a highly challenging environment for any human activity, let alone long-distance swimming.
Despite the perceived danger, freshwater crocodiles in Australia are generally less aggressive than saltwater crocodiles and tend to avoid human interaction. Still, the presence of such wildlife adds a significant psychological challenge to endurance swimmers like Donaldson.
Before the attempt, Donaldson’s support team conducted extensive research and safety assessments to minimise risks. A support boat accompanied him throughout the journey to monitor conditions and provide assistance if necessary.
Speaking after completing the swim, Donaldson described the experience as both physically and mentally demanding. He noted that open-water swimming in such environments creates constant pressure due to the presence of wildlife and unpredictable natural conditions. However, he also described the journey as “magical,” praising the natural beauty of the river.
The swim began early in the morning at around 5:38 am from Kununurra. As the day progressed and temperatures rose to approximately 34°C, support crews used boats to provide shade and assist him in managing heat exposure.
Swimming in freshwater also presented additional challenges, as the absence of salt reduces buoyancy, making movement more physically demanding. Combined with fatigue over long distances, every stroke became increasingly difficult as the hours passed.
After nearly 12 hours of continuous swimming, Donaldson successfully completed the journey at around 5:29 pm, marking a significant achievement in ultra-endurance sports.
