Marathon Swimmer Survives 34-Mile Swim Through Crocodile-Infested River, Joking ‘I Still Have All My Limbs’

**Marathon Swimmer Breaks Record in Crocodile-Infested Waters**

In a remarkable feat of endurance and bravery, 35-year-old Andy Donaldson has set a new world record by swimming over 34 miles through the treacherous waters of the Ord River in Australia. Completing the challenge in an impressive time of 11 hours and 51 minutes, Donaldson surpassed the previous record by more than four hours.

Starting his journey just after 5:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, April 29, Donaldson swam the length of the Ord River, which lies in the rugged Kimberley region of Western Australia. Notably, the river is home to approximately 5,500 saltwater crocodiles. Despite sharing the waters with these formidable creatures, he reported that he did not encounter any during his grueling swim.

Reflecting on his experience, Donaldson quipped, “I still have all my limbs.” He later joked about the only crocodiles he saw, which were the ones his coach had on his feet. While feeling fortunate to avoid any close encounters with the reptiles, he faced significant challenges during the swim, including extreme heat and fast river currents.

The conditions were far from easy for the swimmer. “I felt like I was carrying an elephant on my back,” Donaldson stated, describing the physical toll the swim took on his body. He dealt with fatigue and dehydration, revealing that after several hours in the water, his muscles were beginning to cramp. “I could have kept going if necessary. The mind always gives up before the body does,” he added, showcasing his mental resilience.

Support came from fellow swimmer Simone Blaser, who was the first person to successfully complete the Ord River ultra swim in 2021, finishing in 16 hours and 13 minutes. Blaser accompanied Donaldson for part of the journey, providing encouragement during the challenging swim.

Donaldson’s triumph is not an isolated achievement; he has previously broken multiple records in marathon swimming. Hailing from Scotland, he has set records for the fastest crossings of significant bodies of water, including the Cook Strait between New Zealand’s North and South Islands, and for the fastest relay circumnavigation of Bahrain. He was also the record-holder for the fastest completion of the Oceans Seven challenge, which consists of seven arduous open-water swims around the globe, and the quickest circumnavigation of Manhattan.

Following his impressive record-breaking swim, Donaldson plans to take some time for reflection and recuperation before setting his sights on future challenges. He emphasised the significance of celebrating this latest accomplishment and recognising those who supported him throughout the process. “It’s important to lift up the people that have helped make it possible and just reflect on the learnings from it before moving on,” he explained.

As the world celebrates his achievement, Donaldson remains a figure of inspiration in the marathon swimming community. His ability to conquer seemingly insurmountable challenges, while remaining grounded in his appreciation for support and personal growth, sets a strong example for future athletes.

Donaldson’s extraordinary journey through crocodile-infested waters reinforces the indomitable spirit of adventure and human endurance. As he ponders his next move, fans and followers alike eagerly await what new challenges he might undertake next.