GREENWOOD couple Max (72) and Carrol (74) Wannell will make their annual pilgrimage down south this weekend to compete in their 20th Busselton Jetty Swim in what is only the 23rd instalment of the event.
For Mrs Wannell, the stakes are a little higher as she aims to be the first female across the line in her age group for the 20th consecutive year.
“I have won 19 age group Busselton Jetty trophies,” Mrs Wannell said.
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READ NOW“Most have been made from wood from the jetty and I’m so proud to have my own ‘mini jetty’.”
With more than 40 years swimming experience behind them, including multiple Rottnest Channel Swim solo crossings, the Busselton Jetty Swim is their favourite open water swim.
“It’s hard to top being the first husband and wife to complete a solo crossing to Rottnest back in 1991 but we simply love the Busselton Jetty Swim and that’s why we keep coming back year after year,” Mrs Wannell said.
The couple swims five to six times a week all year round, with their training comprising of 1.5 to 2-hour sessions in the pool or a 3km to 5km open water swim with friends from Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club and West Coast Masters Swimming Club.
“We are so lucky to not only be healthy enough to compete for so long but to enjoy a sport aside each other is very special,” Mrs Wannell said.
The swim on Sunday is a 3.6km course around the Busselton Jetty for solo swimmers and relay teams of two or four.
Junior swimmers can also take part in the Kids Swim, a 222m swim for eight to 12-year-olds around the outside of the swimming jetty, which will be held after the main event.
The event also includes a weekend of entertainment over February 10 and 11 including a skateboard demonstration, come and try event, local musicians and beach games.
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