Andrew Donaldson (born 10 February 1991 in Irvine, Scotland) is a Scottish-Australian marathon swimmer, motivational speaker, and mental health advocate. Donaldson is a three-time world record holder,[1] most notably for the fastest time to complete the Oceans Seven marathon swim challenge.[1]
On 19 September 2024, he broke the world record for the Manhattan Island Swim, completing the 45.9km course in 5 hours, 41 minutes and 48 seconds.[2] He also holds the fastest swim across the Cook Strait - the waters between New Zealand's North and South Islands.[3][4][5]
Andrew was voted Man of the Year and Performance of the Year in the World Open Water Swimming Association awards for 2023.[6]
Early life and career
Growing up in West Kilbride, Scotland, Donaldson started swimming with the North Ayrshire Amateur Swimming Club at age seven.[7] He attended Largs Academy for secondary school, then graduated from Loughborough University in 2012.[8] In 2013, he relocated to Perth, Western Australia to pursue professional swimming.[9][10]
After missing out on his Olympic aspirations, Donaldson retired from competitive swimming in 2016 to work in accounting and finance.[9] This period marked a challenging time for him, as he struggled with mental health issues. After completing his Chartered Accounting studies, Donaldson took a career break to backpack overseas.[11] At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was working as a volcano tour guide in Nicaragua.[9]
He returned to Perth in 2020 and rediscovered his passion for swimming, using it as a way to improve both his physical and mental well-being.[9] In Perth, Donaldson co-founded Swimclan with his mentor Martin Smoothy to assist adults in learning to swim, improve their health, and pursue personal goals.[12] This marked the beginning of his journey back into competitive open-water swimming, where he found new motivation and a renewed sense of purpose.
In 2021, Donaldson made a remarkable comback, winning the 19.7km Rottnest Channel Swim in Western Australia.[13][14] He continued to build on this momentum by setting a new record in the 34km Derwent River Big Swim in Tasmania, and won the 25km Palm Beach to Shelly Beach Swim in Sydney.[9]
Oceans Seven
In August 2022, Donaldson announced his goal to complete the Oceans Seven challenge within a calendar year.[15] He successfully achieved this feat, becoming the first person in history to complete all seven swims in 355 days, setting multiple records along the way. Donaldson's challenge raised significant funds and awareness for the Black Dog Institute, highlighting the importance of mental health.[15][16]
His journey began with a record-breaking English Channel swim, completing the 33km crossing in 8 hours,[17] setting a new British record.[18][19] He then went on to become the first Scottish male to complete the swim between the North Channel,[7] crossing from Ireland to Scotland in 9 hours and 14 minutes.[20] In New Zealand, Donaldson broke the world record for the Cook Strait, finishing the 22km swim in 4 hours and 33 minutes.[3][4][5]
Donaldson overcame numerous challenges, including extreme weather conditions and physical exhaustion, to complete the seven swims. His swim across the Molokai Channel in Hawaii, which lasted over 15 hours, ended with him being hospitalised due to severe throat swelling.[21][22] Despite this, he persisted and went on to break the British record for the Strait of Gibraltar and Catalina Channel swims, solidifying his place among the world's elite marathon swimmers. After successfully crossing Japan's Tsugaru Strait in July 2023, Donaldson completed the Oceans Seven challenge.[23]
Fastest Swim Across theCook Strait: Completed in 4 hours 33 minutes 50 seconds on 8 March 2023.[4]
Fastest Completion of the Oceans Seven (Calendar Duration): Completed in 355 days between 7 August 2022 and 27 July 2023.[1]
Fastest Completion of the Oceans Seven (Cumulative Swim Time): Achieved a total swim time of 63 hours, 2 minutes, and 9 seconds.[1]
Fastest Circumnavigation of Manhattan Island: Completed in 5 hours, 41 minutes, and 48 seconds in 2024.[26]
Epic Swim Maui
In July 2024, Donaldson participated in the inaugural Epic Swim Maui, becoming one of the first swimmers to complete the 220km circumnavigation of Maui over 14 days.[27] This historic expedition aimed to raise awareness for ocean health and sustainability. As a passionate advocate for ocean conservation, Donaldson used this opportunity to draw attention to the importance of preserving marine environments.
Manhattan Island Swim
In September 2024, Donaldson broke the world record for circumnavigating Manhattan Island, completing the 45.9km swim in 5 hours, 41 minutes, and 48 seconds. This achievement further cemented his status as one of the world's greatest marathon swimmers.
Charity Work and Advocacy
Donaldson is a dedicated advocate for mental health, sustainability, and the sport of swimming. He uses his swims as platforms to raise awareness and funds for various causes, particularly mental health. His Oceans Seven campaign raised significant funds for the Black Dog Institute, and he has supported other mental health organisations, including the Kai Fella Foundation.
In October 2023, Donaldson successfully completed a 33km swim from Rottnest Island to Elizabeth Quay in Perth, raising money for Telethon and the Perron Institute for Neurological Science.[28] Through his advocacy, he aims to inspire others to combine sport with a sense of purpose.
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