Swimmers battle ocean current in remarkable feat of stamina

In an Aussie equivalent to the English Channel crossing a remarkable feat of endurance has secured a place in the history books for this Cairns med student. See the video.

SWIMMING history was made on Saturday when Harriet Grant became the first ever woman to swim 35km from Green Island to Yorkeys Knob.

In a remarkable feat of endurance to battle strong currents the marathon swimmer finally felt sand under her feet at 6.14pm on Saturday after entering the water at 7am.

Compatriot Kaname Woodfield in fading light was forced to abandon her attempt after nearly 12 hours in the water. She described the retirement as unfinished business and has vowed to try again.

Marathon swimmers Harriet Grant and Kaname Woodfield on the beach at Yorkeys Knob after swimming from Green Island to the mainland on Saturday. Picture: Nicole Gibson

The world-first ocean swim has raised more than $8,000 for the AFL Cape York House Foundation.

Arriving to a hero’s welcome the fourth-year Cairns medical student was elated to complete the swim expected to be much shorter.

“I thought I would be done so much quicker but you can never know what the current is doing,” Ms Grant said.

Two women from the Clams and Masters swimming club set out from Green Island Saturday morning to swim the gruelling distance to Yorkeys Knob. Harriet Grant made it to shore around 6pm, while Kaname Woodfield had to pull out 7km from the end with increasing currents. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I committed to helping AFL Cape York House it was just about getting through each step rather than thinking I still have two hours or whatever to go.

“You just get in and get it done.

“Doing it in Cairns made it so much more special. Cairns is such a tight-knit community and they all came down to welcome me on the beach and that made it all worthwhile.”

Exhausted marathon swimmer Harriet Grant arrives at Yorkeys Knob after swimming 35km from Green Island to the mainland. Picture: Nicole Gibson

AFL Cape York House Foundation philanthropy manager Nicole Gibson was honoured to receive the support.

“We couldn’t be prouder and more grateful the girls chose us as their charity to support,” she said.

“This will go a long way to support our wellbeing program at AFL Cape York House Foundation.”

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Originally published as Swimmers battle ocean current in remarkable feat of stamina