In a remarkable display of endurance and courage, British-born Australian ultra-marathon swimmer Andy Donaldson has set a new world record by completing a long-distance swim through a crocodile-infested river in Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region.
The extraordinary feat took place in the Ord River, an area widely known for its natural beauty but also for its dangerous wildlife, particularly freshwater crocodiles. The river spans a demanding 55-kilometre stretch and is home to an estimated 5,500 crocodiles, making it one of the most challenging and high-risk open-water swimming environments in the world.
Donaldson, along with his support team, was fully aware of the risks involved before attempting the swim. Careful planning and detailed environmental assessments were conducted in advance, focusing on water conditions, wildlife behaviour, temperature variations, and safety protocols. Despite these precautions, the presence of crocodiles, along with other wild animals such as eagles and foxes in the surrounding area, added constant pressure throughout the challenge.
The swimmer began his journey early in the morning at 5:38 a.m. from Kununurra, entering the river under carefully monitored conditions. From the very start, he faced physically and mentally demanding circumstances, as open-water swimming in remote environments requires continuous effort, focus, and resilience.
Over the course of nearly 11 hours and 52 minutes, Donaldson maintained a steady pace while navigating the natural challenges of the river. As the day progressed, rising temperatures made the conditions even more difficult. By midday, temperatures reached approximately 34°C, forcing support boats to provide shade and assistance to help manage heat exposure.
Swimming in freshwater added another layer of difficulty, as the absence of salt makes buoyancy more challenging and increases physical strain. Fatigue builds more quickly in such conditions, requiring greater effort to maintain movement and rhythm over long distances.
Despite these obstacles, Donaldson remained focused and persistent throughout the swim. His team closely monitored his condition, ensuring safety while allowing him to continue pushing toward the record attempt. The environment remained tense due to the constant awareness of wildlife presence in the river.
After hours of continuous effort, he successfully completed the 55-kilometre journey, finishing at 5:29 p.m. His achievement officially broke the previous record set in 2024 by Simone Blaser, who completed the same distance in over 16 hours.
Following the accomplishment, Donaldson described the experience as an unforgettable and almost “magical” journey, highlighting both the beauty and danger of the natural surroundings. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to swim in such a unique environment, despite its extreme challenges.
His support team emphasized that the goal was not only to set a world record but also to demonstrate human endurance, careful planning, and respect for natural ecosystems. Every stage of the attempt was carefully structured to balance performance with safety.
This record-setting swim has now been recognized globally as one of the most demanding open-water endurance achievements, showcasing how determination, preparation, and resilience can push the boundaries of human capability even in the most dangerous natural settings.