Stories from Kimberley · Australia

Perth-based swimmer Donaldson broke a world record by swimming 5km in 11 hours and 51 minutes in the East Kimberley. This performance surpassed the previous inaugural record of 16 hours set two years ago.

Swimmer Andy Donaldson completed a 55 kilometre non-stop swim along the Ord River in Western Australia's Kimberley region. The swim lasted more than 11 hours. Donaldson's feat follows a 2024 record by Simone Blazer, who completed the swim in 16 hours and 13 minutes. The river is known to be populated with thousands of freshwater crocodiles. Donaldson swam for more than 11 hours to finish the course. Fremantle swimmer Simone Blazer previously completed the swim in 2024 with a time of 16 hours and 13 minutes. Blazer told social media followers the water was smooth and silky during the challenge. A local skipper provided support from a boat during the swim. Donaldson stated the adventure aimed to engage with the local community and inspire residents. She expressed feeling exhausted but filled with pride and joy at the finish line.