RHYS Mainstone (28), of Golden Bay, has set his sights on the Busselton Jetty Swim in January.
As an elite Australian swimmer, Mainstone has accepted the challenge of the 3.6km swim around the iconic landmark and will be vying for the title of the 1st Open Male Swimmer in 2019.
He will be battling it out against his good friend and the 2018 Busselton Jetty Swim title winner Andy Donaldson, who completed the course in 42 minutes and 14 seconds.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWMainstone, a member of the UWA West Coast swimming club, declares his best achievement was placing third overall in the 2015 FINA World Marathon 10km series.
This involved eight 10km races around the world where he averaged a placing of fourth.
Mainstone also placed second at the FINA World Championships 2011 Team 5km and four national titles in the 10km event.
In the 24-year history of the swim, the 2009 1st Open Female record of 43 minutes 37 seconds by Melissa Benson and the 2012 1st Open Male record of 40 minutes and 4 seconds of Travis Nederpelt still hold.
“The goal would be to try and beat my good friend and competitor Andy Donaldson,” Mainstone said. “Every year he pumps the swim up and he manages to get the best out of me, from racing to having a good laugh.”
The Busselton Jetty Swim is renowned for being a participatory and fully inclusive event regardless of age, ability, experience or gender.
“No matter your swimming ability, there is an event for everybody in the Busselton Jetty Swim to participate in, so everyone can be involved,” Mainstone said.
“This event is one of the best in the world.”
The Busselton Jetty Swim is on February 9 and 10.
Visit www.busseltonjettyswim.org.au.