Tamara Bruce named Jetty Swim ambassador

Tamara Bruce of Lathlain has been announced as a SunSmart Busselton Jetty Swim Ambassador for 2019.

Bruce, inductee of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 2017, completed a total of 10 solo crossings in the Rottnest Channel Swim, one duo crossing, and two team crossings with the last team crossing delivering the Queen’s Commonwealth Games Baton to the Island.

She competed in the International Sydney Harbour 30km race, which was her first taste of marathon swimming, coming 12th overall and fifth female.

She was the overall winner of the 1992 Rottnest Channel Swim at the age of 14 and established a new overall course record.

Bruce also re-established the female record at the 1993 Rottnest Channel Swim in a time of 4hr 10min., a record that still stands today.

A year later in 1994 as a 17-year-old, she swam the English Channel in 7:53 which remains tied for the 14th-fastest crossing in history (out of 2256 solo swims) and fasted Australian female solo crossing.

“This is such an iconic swim. I love the unique setting and the many different ages and abilities that the swim can incorporate,” she said.

“My biggest challenge of the swim is being distracted by the beauty of the jetty and the bottom of the ocean. Last year was so clear (I could) see so many things.

“I admire the courage of all the swimmers that come from all walks of life and abilities and not necessarily seasoned swimmers but they all have the same goal to swim around the jetty.”

Her future goal is to have most of her swim squad take part in the Busselton Jetty Swim and make it a tradition. The same squad has also planned a junior English Channel relay.

The SunSmart Busselton Jetty Swim celebrates its 24th year in 2019, with record numbers of swimmers registered.

This year 2900 swimmers will take part in the main swim, the inaugural One Mile Swim and the Kids Swim.

Visit busseltonjetty.org.au.