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Forecast rough seas put iconic Rottnest Channel Swim in doubt
Thousands of competitors are gearing up to take on the 2026 Rottnest Channel Swim this Saturday. (ABC News: Eliza Laschon)
As thousands of people prepare to tackle Western Australia's most iconic open water swimming event, strong weather warnings are threatening to grind it to a halt just 48 hours before it begins.
The Rottnest Channel Swim is set to take place on Saturday, with swimmers and their logistical teams monitoring every gust, every current and every announcement as months of preparation hangs in the balance.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting strong nautical winds of 30 knots, or about 55 kilometres per hour, on Saturday morning.
Swimmer braces for Rottnest swim amid weather concerns
Training nine times a week is no small feat — but for 18-year-old Bianca Monaco, its just part of the process as she gears up to take on Saturday’s Rottnest Channel Swim after a triumphant win last year.
But unpredictable weather forecasted for the weekend could put that plan into limbo.
“I’m pretty excited, but I’m definitely starting to feel the nerves with the weather,” Ms Monaco said.
Rottnest Channel Swim Association organisers on Wednesday were “closely monitoring the weather forecast” in the lead-up to the open water event.
Individual skippers of the boats used to support swimmers were also advised to consider the weather advice before they decide to set out early on Saturday morning.
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The 20-kilometre swim bringing a Perth family back to where it all began
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Competing in this year’s Rottnest Swim will be a full-circle moment for Nancy Shaw and her family.
It was at the Rottnest Hotel more than 20 years ago when Shaw first officially met her husband Jason after he had completed the swim, although their paths had crossed on previous occasions.
“I just finished an internship and qualified for the World Championships for Great Britain in the triathlon and it happened to be in New Zealand and Queenstown in 2003 in December,” Shaw said.
“Then my best friend from university was living in Perth, and she was like, ‘You need to come to Perth for Christmas’.
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