Ultra-marathon open-water swimmer Jono Ridler has completed his record-breaking odyssey down the east coast of the North Island, calling New Zealanders to unite against bottom trawling, and been met by crowds of supporters.
Ridler began the almost 1400 kilometre slog in North Cape 90 days ago, on 5 January, and finished on Saturday afternoon at Whairepo Lagoon, on the Wellington waterfront.
The swim sets a new world record for the longest unassisted staged swim – wearing only togs, goggles and a swim cap, but no wetsuit.
Ridler partnered with marine conservation group LiveOcean, launching a petition against bottom trawling fishing, which has now been signed by more than 66,000 people.
His swim included swarms of jellyfish, battling sunburn, and more than 120 stops between his swimming shifts for rests and community stopovers to raise awareness.
Read RNZ
-
-
Shane Fielding: Inside the Extreme Life of a Pro Swimmer | The Human Element Podcast
What’s it really like to beat Michael Phelps in a race… then spend 20 years processing the “what ifs”? In this raw episode of The Human Element, ex-Australian swimmer Shane opens up about racing in the golden era alongside Thorpey, Hackett, and Klim, the brutal 1% margins that decide Olympic dreams, and the car accident that derailed his final shot at the Games.
He shares the heavy toll of near-misses, the long road to reframing “failure,” and how fatherhood + converting to Catholicism reshaped his definition of success. From idolising superstars to realising they’re human, this is a heartfelt conversation about sacrifice, resilience, fame’s dark side, and finding peace beyond the podium.
If you’ve ever chased a big goal and wondered “was it worth it?”, hit play.
-
Inside Mollie O’Callaghan’s Journey From Struggle to Olympic Glory | Hancock Prospecting
The 22-year-old swimming star reflects on her rise, her parents’ sacrifices and the role Gina Rinehart played in helping her stay in the pool and chase Olympic glory.
-
Adam Peaty Through the Years | European Aquatics
Adam Peaty through the years, 2014 to 2020
-
Your Hand Is Exiting Too Early—Here’s Why | Between The Laps
One of my best sprinters kept fading in every 100 freestyle.
Not because she wasn’t fit.
Because she was cutting her freestyle finish short every single stroke.Her hand exited before reaching her thigh.
That means her freestyle stroke never completed. -
Easing the Burden to Provide Swimming Lessons | KUTV 2 News Salt Lake City
Swimming is an important skill to learn, but not everyone has access to affordable lessons.
There is now a free swimming program in Utah to help those who don’t know how to swim.
On ARC Salt Lake, we spoke with Dr. Richard Ferguson, who is the president of the Black Physicians of Utah. Plus, social worker and crisis specialist Kandis Thorpe, who participated in the safety course.
They discuss the historical limitations for marginalized communities in learning how to swim and other barriers that limit access to learn how to swim.
-
Sneak Peek: The Red Dragon’s Secret Weapon | 60 Minutes Australia
SNEAK PEEK: The Red Dragon’s secret weapon. SUNDAY at the special time of 7PM on #60Mins, how Australia’s swimming sensation Mollie O’Callaghan dominates her competition.
-
I Interviewed the First Ever Somali Swimmer: Mustafa Hashim | Abdul and Mustafa
Mustafa Hashim is the first person to ever compete as a swimmer for Somalia. And he’s just 16. I wanted to find out more about him behind the goggles and swimming cap, so in this video, I went to his area and did an interview, where we spoke about his career, competitions, and also spoke to his coach to gain a better understanding of what it’s like being the first ever Somalian swimmer.
-
Jet Ski Hit-And-Run: Man Arrested After Swimmer Injured in Biscayne Bay | CBS Miami
Florida Fish and Wildlife officials say Andy Vences struck a woman with his jet ski near Miami Marine Stadium and fled the scene. He now faces charges after the hit-and-run incident.