‘Serial cheat’ cleared for 20km Rottnest swim

An alleged serial cheat who was banned from all ultra-marathon events has been cleared for the Rottnest Channel Swim.

Mark Robson has been banned from all Australian ultra-marathon events.

An alleged serial cheat who was banned from all Australian ultra-marathon events for taking shortcuts during a race two weeks ago will be allowed to take part in this month’s Rottnest Channel Swim, one of the world’s toughest open-water events.

Organisers of the high-profile Rottnest race have rejected calls for Perth-based finance broker Mark Robson, 46, to be thrown out of the 20km race despite revelations he cheated in the 100km Australia Day Ultra on January 19.

Mr Robson, who is coached by Australian long-distance swimming legend Shelley Taylor-Smith, has entered this year’s Rottnest event as a solo swimmer rather than as part of a team.

In 2014, he was suspended for two years by Triathlon Australia after an investigation found he had “engaged in deliberate and premeditated actions to gain an unfair advantage” in events between 2011 and 2013.

Doubts have also been raised about Mr Robson’s performances in other events, including the HBF Run for a Reason in Perth.

Rottnest Channel Swim Association president Chris Turner said yesterday Mr Robson was eligible to compete on February 24 despite his past record.

“The RCSA have rules that we apply for the safe and fair crossing of all competitors,” he said.

“Our on-water officials ensure that all competitors abide by these rules. Mr Robson has not broken our event rules and is therefore eligible to swim in the 2018 event.”

The decision sparked a backlash from rivals who say Mr Robson should be stopped from entering the water for the ­gruelling swim between Cottesloe Beach and Rottnest Island.

Some entrants told The Australian it would be possible to cheat by hitching a ride with the paddle craft that accompanies each swimmer during the race. Another way would involve being towed by a rope for some of the swim.

Both of these options would need an accomplice.

The winner of the Rottnest men’s solo race will receive $7500 in prize money, but Mr Robson will need to radically improve on his 163rd overall finish in last year’s event.

Taylor-Smith said she was still coaching Mr Robson after last week’s cheating allegations because she had a contract to continue working with him.

“That’s not the person I know,” Taylor-Smith said of the allegations.

“He is one of the most ­generous and encouraging teammates for all the swimmers in my squad.”

Mr Robson did not respond to a request for comment yesterday.