Devil of a Swim honours “passionate” swimmer who died during Coles Bay Triathlon
A Tasmanian father who tragically died during Coles Bay Triathlon will be honoured during the annual Devil of a Swim. His son details the meaning behind the tribute.
Tasmania
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Late swimming enthusiast Scott Anthony has been honoured by Bicheno’s annual ocean swimming event the Devil of a Swim, who have dedicated its 5km endurance event to his memory.
The “passionate” lifelong ocean lover who tragically died during the Coles Bay Triathlon in February, will be memorialised by the ‘Scott Anthony 5-kilometre race’ at the 2025 swimming event.
Mr Anthony’s son Luke said his dad rarely missed the Devil of a Swim event.
“He loved the race for its beautiful scenery, the challenging 5-kilometre course around Diamond Island and the people he met each year,” he said.
“As a supporter of the Bicheno Surf Life Saving Club, he particularly appreciated all of the hardworking volunteers behind the scenes that made the event possible.”
Mr Anthony has been remembered as a dedicated community member and year-round swimmer on Tasmania’s east coast.
“Dad was always so encouraging and supportive of swimmers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the ocean and challenge themselves, so it’s a wonderful tribute to have the Scott Anthony 5-kilometre race in his name,” Luke Anthony said.
The April 26 race is expecting a record turnout, with 242 swimmers entered across the 5-, 2- and 1-kilometre races and the kids 400m swim.
Race Director, Alex Farrell said they have built the event around swimmers who love the ocean and encouraged people to come down to support the event and enjoy the scenery.
“For us as an organisation it’s an honour to recognise swimmers who love the ocean as much as we do,” he said.
“Scott was an avid supporter of the swim over the years so it feels special to be able to honour him and his family.”
The Devil of a Swim began in 2009 to raise funds for research into the devil facial tumour disease, and has since become a major fundraising event for the Bicheno Surf Life Saving Club.
“Competitors in the Scott Anthony 5-kilometre race will swim from Waubs Beach along to Redbill Beach, then around Diamond Island before returning to the start,” Mr Farrell said.
“Some swimmers wear wetsuits or use fins, while others compete in the skins event wearing only bathers, there’s an option for every ability.”
Originally published as Devil of a Swim honours “passionate” swimmer who died during Coles Bay Triathlon
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