British-Australian ultramarathon swimmer Andy Donaldson has set a new record by completing a 55-kilometer solo swim in Western Australia's crocodile-inhabited Ord River in under 12 hours. The 35-year-old athlete finished the Dam to Dam Challenge from Lake Argyle to Kununurra in 11 hours and 51 minutes, beating the previous record of 16 hours and 13 minutes set by Simone Blaser in 2024.
Donaldson and his team were well aware of the dangers posed by the river's wildlife, particularly the estimated 5,500 freshwater crocodiles—roughly one crocodile for every 10 meters of the swim. However, freshwater crocodiles are smaller and more timid than their saltwater counterparts and rarely approach humans. Despite the risks, Donaldson described the experience as "magical" and "the best swim I've ever done."
Overcoming Challenges
The swim began at 5:38 am in darkness, with Donaldson maintaining a strong pace until the intense Kimberley sun pushed temperatures to 34°C. Support boats provided shade to help him cope with the heat. The lack of salt in the freshwater reduced buoyancy, making the swim more physically demanding, especially as fatigue set in. An unexpected headwind and a section of "dead water" with no current added to the difficulty.
Wildlife Encounters
Although the river is home to eagles, ospreys, turtles, and large catfish, Donaldson did not see any crocodiles during the swim. "It was a bit nerve-racking doing a swim in the open water," he admitted. "There's always a risk of wildlife. But the perceived fear is a lot bigger than it actually turns out to be." His team prioritized safety, ready to abort the swim if any threatening wildlife appeared.
Support and Finish
As Donaldson neared the finish line at Swim Beach, local swimmers joined him for the final 200 meters. Hundreds of people lined the riverbanks in Kununurra to cheer him on. He credited his team for the success, saying, "These challenges are never achieved alone. You always have a skipper, a paddler, and your coach out there."
Donaldson, originally from Scotland and now based in Perth, is considered one of the world's leading ultramarathon swimmers. He holds multiple world records, including being the first person to complete the Oceans Seven marathon swim challenge in a single year in 2023. Reflecting on his latest achievement, he said, "It was just magical—swimming through these ancient gorges, the red cliffs, the sunrise was spectacular."
