Andy Donaldson Sets 55km Swim World Record

Andy Donaldson, a 35-year-old ultramarathon swimmer, set a new world record Tuesday by completing a 55-kilometer swim from Lake Argyle to Kununurra's Diversion Dam along the Upper Ord River in Western Australia's remote Kimberley region.

The Scottish-born athlete, who moved to Australia in 2013, finished the grueling course in 11 hours and 51 minutes, pending ratification by the World Open Water Swimming Association. He became only the second person to accomplish the feat, surpassing the previous mark of 16 hours and 13 minutes set by Simone Blaser in 2024.

Although the river hosts large numbers of freshwater crocodiles, which locals consider mostly harmless and are accustomed to swimming alongside, Donaldson encountered none during his journey. "I didn't see a single one, other than the Crocs that my coach was wearing on his feet," he said the following day. "I don't know whether to feel relieved or disappointed." He joked about his survival, adding, "The bonus is I still have all my limbs," after sleeping soundly despite the physical toll.

The swim's primary challenges stemmed from the 28-degree Celsius water and intense heat, leading to severe dehydration and muscle cramps....