Ultramarathon swimmer Andy Donaldson sets 55km world record in crocodile-filled Ord River
Consensus Summary
Ultramarathon swimmer Andy Donaldson set a new world record by completing a 55-kilometer solo swim down the Ord River in Western Australia’s Kimberley region in just under 12 hours on April 28, 2026. His time of 11 hours and 51 minutes surpassed Simone Blaser’s previous record of 16 hours and 13 minutes, set in 2024. The swim took place in the remote and rugged landscape of the Ord River, known for its freshwater crocodiles, red cliffs, and challenging currents. Donaldson, a Scottish-Australian athlete with multiple world records, described the experience as the most beautiful swim of his career, surpassing other iconic locations like Hawaii and Croatia. Both sources highlight the support of his team, including Blaser, and the role of local communities in encouraging him. The swim was also part of an effort to promote swimming and physical activity in the Kimberley, where a new Olympic-sized pool is set to open soon. While both articles agree on the core details, minor discrepancies exist in the exact start and finish times, as well as Donaldson’s reported encounters with crocodiles.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Andy Donaldson completed a 55km solo swim from Lake Argyle Dam to Diversion Dam in the Ord River, Western Australia
- Donaldson finished the swim in 11 hours and 51 minutes, breaking Simone Blaser’s previous record of 16 hours and 13 minutes (set in 2024)
- The swim took place on April 28, 2026, starting at 5:00 AM (ABC) or 5:38 AM (Guardian) and finishing by 5:29 PM (Guardian) or 5:00 PM (ABC)
- Donaldson described the Ord River as the most beautiful place he has ever swum, surpassing locations like Hawaii, Greece, and Croatia
- The Ord River contains approximately 5,500 freshwater crocodiles, though they are smaller and less aggressive than saltwater crocodiles
- Donaldson was accompanied by a support team, including Simone Blaser, who was the first to complete the swim in 2024
- The swim was part of a broader effort to promote swimming and physical activity in the remote Kimberley region, where a new Olympic-sized pool is set to open soon
- Donaldson is a Scottish-Australian ultramarathon swimmer who holds multiple world records, including being the first to complete the Ocean Sevens in a year
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Donaldson was invited to Kununurra by local photographer and swim club president Ben Broady, who noted that the lack of a public pool for two years had negatively impacted local children’s swimming skills.
- Kununurra teenager Chyanne said swimming in the Ord River was 'refreshing and very calming' but looked forward to the new Olympic-sized pool.
- Donaldson mentioned seeing crocodiles only on his coach’s feet, reassuring a child who asked about close encounters.
- The swim was planned for 13 months and described as a 'celebration of all things swimming'.
- Donaldson emphasized that endurance sports are more about mindset than pure fitness, citing the importance of a 'powerful why' behind challenges.
- A 2.5-meter freshwater crocodile was spotted waiting at the start ramp, serving as a visual reminder of the dangers.
- Donaldson mentioned swimming through 'dead water' (no current) and an unexpected headwind, which complicated the swim.
- The Guardian noted that the lack of salt in the freshwater reduced buoyancy, making the swim physically harder.
- Donaldson described the swim as 'by-the-book' with no actual wildlife encounters, despite initial nerves about open-water risks.
- The Guardian highlighted the role of support boats providing shade as temperatures reached 34°C.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The ABC states Donaldson started the swim at 5:00 AM, while the Guardian says he began at 5:38 AM.
- The ABC reports Donaldson finished at 5:00 PM, while the Guardian says he finished at 5:29 PM.
- The ABC mentions Donaldson saw crocodiles only on his coach’s feet, while the Guardian states he did not see any crocodiles during the swim at all.
Source Articles
Ultra-swimmer sets world record with 55km solo feat in crocodile-filled river
Andy Donaldson took less than 12 hours to swim the challenging 55-kilometre course down the Upper Ord River in Western Australia's north.
Ultramarathon swimmer sets record pace over 55km in crocodile-filled Australian river
Andy Donaldson completes journey in WA’s Ord River in under 12 hours British-Australian athlete says risk of wildlife is always ‘nerve-racking’ Andy Donaldson and his team were aware of the dangers that lay ahead, but just in case a reminder was needed, a huge 2.5-metre freshwater crocodile waiting at the start ramp ahead of his longest ever solo swim put the challenge into stark focus. Donaldson, a British-Australian ultramarathon swimmer, was about to embark on the 55km Dam to Dam Challenge fr