It’s that time of the year again – the sun is shining, but not as harshly as it was four weeks ago. Perth’s beautiful beaches are still buzzing and two spots are about to have their time in the limelight with the return of South32 Rottnest Channel Swim.
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19, Western Australia’s famous open-water swim from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island is set to dive in on Saturday 25 February 2023, on an international level for the first time since 2020 – less than four weeks away, the countdown is on.
Now in its 33rd year, the Rottnest Channel Swim is going fourth with almost 2,700 participants registered from around the world for the 19.7km oceanic race.
Of this year’s participants, 1414 (53 per cent) have successfully crossed the channel before, while 1234 (47 per cent) are braving the waters for the first time.
Fourteen-year-old Bay Bruce, son of open-water swimming legend and South 32 Rottnest Channel Swim record holder Tamara Bruce, is among the youngest soloists to take on the Indian Ocean this February – already a huge feat!
BCGS Seadogs will be the youngest team to attempt the crossing, with all members aged under 14-and-a-half-years on the day of the swim – that’s gotta take some hardcore bravery.
The South32 Rottnest Channel Swim will also see some old-school legends hit the seas, with the oldest team swimmer, 78-year-old John Guilfoyle back again, and Roger Fiedler taking up the challenge of his first solo at 69 years of age.
Rottnest Channel Swim Association President, Kirsty Bellombra says, “We are incredibly excited to host the first truly international South32 Rottnest Channel Swim event since 2020.”
“While the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim is the ultimate test of endurance and determination, it is also recognised as one of Perth’s most iconic and fun events for swimmers and supporters. We can’t wait to see swimmers of all ages, abilities and nationalities push themselves to the limit,” Kirsty shares.
Find out all of the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim details here.