Karratha team claims record
The Karratha Virtual Rottnest Channel Swim record is in the hands of local residents after an impressive five-hour effort from the am Struggle Street team beat the previous best by more than two minutes.
Jayde Mottram, Tristan Lynn, Janyce Crawford and Aaron Bowkett ended the travesty of Port Hedland holding the record from last year, completing the race in a time of 5hr 9min. 28sec. Team captain Aaron Bowkett said they had not come to break any records, but were pleased they did.
"We didn't really set our eyes on the record until about halfway in, when we thought we'd have a fair crack at it, so we'd have a go," he said.
"If it wasn't for Erin Shaylor - she's the one that put our names in and nominated us and coached us - we wouldn't be here, so big thanks to her."
Bowkett said the team would be back to swim a 5hr. 08min. next year.
Fellow team member Tristan Lynn has done the actual Rottnest Channel Swim twice but said conditions were still a little challenging because of the heat.
Attendance was up from last year, with 72 swimmers in 10 teams taking to the pool.
Event organiser Tepi Smith said it was pleasing to see people of all ages and abilities take part in the swim.
"Today was the largest virtual event we've had in Karratha … and I believe it is the biggest virtual event in the State," she said.
"There are a lot of people who haven't been into swimming before but they're just having a go.
"I'm so happy that it is Karratha swimmers holding the record now; everyone is pretty stoked about that."
The event raised more than $1700 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service this year.
