Busselton Jetty Swim: biggest and fastest on record as Kyle Lee wins in just 38.59

This year’s Busselton Jetty Swim has been hailed a huge success, with the annual event named the biggest and fastest in its 27 year history.

Held on Sunday February 13, the open water swim saw 3455 swimmers take part in the 3.6km swim around the iconic jetty.

West Australian rising star Kyle Lee once again took out gold, achieving a record breaking time of 38 minutes and 59 seconds.

The 19-year-old Australind man’s win was his first of the season when he put in a mature and calculated swim in some windy conditions.

“It’s pretty awesome to get the win, I’ve done this nine times in the past and every time I come back it’s a great atmosphere and swim,” he said.

“This year was again a great day, it was a bit choppy towards the end of the jetty because of the wind but it was overall really beautiful out there.”

Friendly rival Adam Sudlow was hot on his heels, only six seconds behind the winner while Kaiden Richings came in at 41 minutes 30 seconds to cinch third place.

Jaime Bowler was the first woman to cross the line in a stunning 44 minute and 48 second swim followed by Kate McRobb with a time of 47 minutes and 8 seconds.

Event and sponsorship co-ordinator Di Bruce said the event was a huge success, having grown exponentially over the better part of three decades.

“This was the biggest event we’ve ever had and the fastest event we’ve ever had, there was about eight minutes between when the last person entered the water and when Kyle exited which is not something anyone would have imagined only a few years ago,” she said.

“It’s been extremely rewarding to see the event grow and see how important it had become to so many competitors and the Busselton community.

“The Busselton Jetty Swim is truly a grassroots, home grown event, run entirely by volunteers ... especially in these challenging times we know how important it is on our mental and physical health to have a goal to work towards and we’re able to provide that to people regardless of age, ability, disability and gender.

“Our ethos is community, participation, inclusion and affordability and that legacy of our founders remains with the current committee and will always continue for as long as the Busselton Jetty Swim continues.”

After a hectic year of organising and executing the wildly popular event, committee members can relax for a few weeks until the 2023 event plans begin.