Longest open ocean event

l SWIMMING

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

NOW in its third year, Australia’s longest open ocean swim, Swimming the Gap 2023, has lined up amazing athletes to push themselves to the limit and fundraise $15,000 to go towards AFL Cape York Foundation this September.

The 27km swim from Green Island to Yorkey’s Knob, on September 23, has gathered amazing swimmers like marathon swimming royalty, Australian Triple Crown, Julie Boxsell and major sponsors like Passions of Paradise to engage in high-performance swimming and raise funds towards the AFL Cape York Foundation’s social and emotional wellbeing program.

Organiser and Masters Swimming North Queensland vice president Ted Bunt said it was an exciting year for the Swimming the Gap event.

“So far, seven people have completed the swim, we’ve had six men and one woman, last year’s Harriet Grant, in some pretty strong tides and it’s something great to be a part of,” Mr Bunt said.

“It’s a great challenge, these are all competent swimmers, and you may have a lot of training under your belt but it’s still that mental side of pushing the limits all the way.” Townsville-based marathon swimmer Julie Boxsell said she was excited to try the demanding swim for the first time.

“I’ve taken the challenge because it’s a swim that hasn’t been done very often and this year is in support of AFL Cape York House and that’s a really great reason to,” Ms Boxsell said.

“It’s also a very tough swim across the channel, it’s in tough water which I like and it’s a great location.

“You can never underestimate a swim, it doesn’t matter what your preparation is, you can’t control what happens on the day, so I’m prepared for both outcomes.”

Masters Swimming Queensland champion in Cairns Clams Kaname Woodfield will be trying to conquer the swim after a failed attempt last year.

“Last year I was devastated I couldn’t finish and that’s made me want to do it again,” Ms Woodfield said.

“It was my first attempt last year so I started training earlier than last year and I’m stronger this year so I know this time I can do it.”

Mr Bunt said plans were underway to grow the swim to include relay and solo swimmers from next year. “We’re hoping to encourage well known swimmers, Olympians and ex-Olympians to come up and participate,” he said.

To donate, visit wwww.swimmingthegap.mycause. com.au