70th Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim: A splash of nostalgia and triumph

At the ripe age of 94, Kauko Kaurila, the first winner of the legendary Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim, was there to cheer on swimmers crossing the finish line at the 70th annual event.

2024 race winners Jacob Bell (second place) and Katelyne Irwin (first place). Picture: Supplied

At the ripe age of 94, Kauko Kaurila, the first winner of the legendary Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim, was there to cheer on swimmers crossing the finish line at the 70th annual event.

This year’s swim, held on Saturday, July 20, solidified its status as Australia’s most historic and longest-running open water swim.

The event saw a record 156 swimmers participate, including 92 solo competitors, 12 duos, and 10 four-person teams.

Katelyne Irwin from Brisbane took first place with a time of 1:52:02.60, followed by Jacob Bell from Whitsundays at 1:53:22.20, and Tom Dodds from Townsville finishing third at 1:54:42.20.

Kauko Kaurila in 1954 (left) and at the swim in 2024. Pictures: Supplied

This year’s event was extra special, with original winner Kauko Kaurila and two-time champ Hookey Vernon in attendance, adding a touch of nostalgia to the day.

Mr Kaurila, who won the inaugural swim in 1954 with a time of 2 hours and 4 minutes, was there when the event was first launched to mark the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

Kauko Kaurila, aboard the tow boat after finishing second in the 1955 Magnetic Island swim, in 1954.

Over the decades, the swim has evolved, changing start and finish points for better spectator views and safety.

Originally starting from Hawkins Point, it now kicks off at Picnic Bay and ends at Strand Park Beach. In the early days, swimmers battled shark-infested waters using makeshift cages of pipe and chicken wire.

The iconic Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim has been swum for the past 70 years. Picture: Supplied.

These eventually evolved into aluminium frames with mesh. Thanks to improved safety measures and shark control, the first cageless swim happened in 2008.

Magnetic Island to Townsville swim 2003. It was really rough going for the competitors. Chris Palfrey. Picture: Scott Radford-chisholm

The swim was a highlight of Townsville’s annual mardi gras, now known as the Magnetikhana Festival, drawing thousands of spectators.

The swim continues to be a testament to endurance, community spirit, and historical significance.

Profits have funded local landmarks and causes, including the Centenary Fountain in Anzac Park and the Strand Waterfall project. Funds also supported specialist equipment for burns patients at the Townsville General Hospital.

Notable milestones include Joyce Martens becoming the first woman to compete in 1956, and David Stanton setting the fastest crossing in 1990 with a time of 1 hour, 15 minutes, and 42 seconds.

Magnetic Island to Townsville swim 2003. It was really rough going for the competitors. Chris Palfrey. Picture: Scott Radford-chisholm

Liz Grant made history as the first outright female winner in 1982. The 50th anniversary was marked with the release of the book “Caged – the first half century of the Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim.”

For Saturday’s full race results, visit here.

Originally published as 70th Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim: A splash of nostalgia and triumph