Contest goes swimmingly

More than 200 swimmers turned out for last fortnight’s Margaret River Ocean Swim at Gnarabup.

The annual contest, on January 18, was held in great conditions, despite strong winds in the lead-up to the event.

First across the line was professional triathlete Guy Crawford, followed by Busselton’s 17-year-old powerhouse Angus Johnston-Walker in second place.

Third in the overall contest was John Andrews, who won the swim in the previous two years.

Margaret River’s Amanda Burges was the first woman across the line in fifth place overall, followed by Nicola Heyes, of Dunsborough.

Event co-ordinator Charlotte O’Beirne, of Swimming Women, said the race attracted a field of competitors of different abilities.

“Many first-time ocean swimmers have been in touch to say they are hooked and can’t wait for next year,” she said.

“Many of the faster swimmers learnt a thing or two about pacing, helping them to better prepare for longer swims in future such as the Busselton Jetty Swim and the Channel 7 Port to Pub.”

Training sessions in the lead-up to the coveted Gnarabup Cup were supported by the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.

Full results can be found at webscorer.com.