Ambassadors

Kerry-Lee Gockel, also known as The Wingless Warrior on Instagram, was born without arms. Her husband, Paul Gockel, a silver medalist at the Paralympic Games in 1992 and 1996, shares her passion for open water swimming.

The couple was appointed joint ambassadors to promote inclusivity in sport, showing that anyone can participate—no excuses. “We’ve completed swimming events across Australia and the world, and Busselton Jetty Swim has always been on our radar because it’s such an iconic event within the open water swimming community,” said Kerry. “We’re thrilled to be coming to Busselton as event ambassadors and hope to inspire swimmers of all abilities by demonstrating that there are no limits to what they can achieve, in or out of the water,” added Paul.

Kerry-Lee and Paul’s resilience and enthusiasm make them ideal advocates for encouraging swimmers of all abilities, whether it’s their first 500m or the full 3.6km around the Jetty.  “There’s nothing quite like ocean swimming. No two swims are ever the same, and it’s a chance to really connect with nature,” said Kerry-Lee. 

After the 2025 event, Kerry-Lee told ABC Radio, “It was a real honour to be selected as ambassadors. The Busselton Jetty Swim is promoted as a swim for everybody, and for swimmers with a disability, that’s a bold statement. But it truly was one of the most inclusive events we’ve been to. We saw people from of all ages and abilities taking part—and so it really was very, very special for us”.

2024 Ambassador, Jaime Bowler, can’t quite remember how many times she has participated in the event, but she’s been the fastest female across the line 9 times and broken the women’s record twice!

According to the well-known endurance swimmer there is nothing quite like the Jetty swim. “It’s such a fun event, a great challenge, and the vibe is incredible. There are so many people from all walks of life participating, and everyone is so kind and supportive, celebrating each other’s achievements”.

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The full-time nurse and mother of two also she clearly remembers the first time she swam the Busselton Jetty Swim – because it coincided with her wedding anniversary.  “A girlfriend convinced me to do it. She’d told me about the Jetty Swim’s amazing atmosphere, and said: you’ll do it once, and you’ll want to do it every year, which is exactly what happened.  I initially felt guilty about missing my anniversary, but now every year it’s like, bye husband I’m off to do the Jetty Swim!”

In addition to the signature 3.6km swim around the Jetty, this year Jaime will be swimming alongside her husband and daughters. “Simon’s 500m Shortcut Swim is the perfect opportunity to warm up for the main event or get started in open water swimming. We are doing it as a family, but my husband and I are quite competitive, so I expect it might become a bit of race, and he will probably beat me!”

Jaime also offered some advice to anyone doing their first Jetty Swim. “At the starting line you will be nervous, and you’ll be questioning why you are doing it, but just focus on your own race and remember this is about you, meeting your own challenge”, she said.  “But I promise you, when I see you at the finish line, you will feel completely different. You will be over the moon with happiness.

• 2 x world Duathlon Championships – 2012, 2017
• 1 x Bronze medallist World Duathlon Championships – 2010
• World Cup winner – Tiszaujauvaros Hungary – 2015
• Bronze World Cup – 2009
• 4 x Busselton Half Ironman Winner / 1 x 2nd – Record for most wins at Busselton
• 2 x Noosa Triathlon Runner-up
• Current WA Female Triathlete of the Year
• 15 x ITU World Triathlon podiums
• 9 x International Half Ironman podiums
• Multiple National and State titles

Felicity Sheedy-Ryan is a professional triathlete representing Australia at the highest level.

She is a 2 x World Champion in Duathlon 2012, 2017 and also a Bronze medallist in the event in 2010.

In 2015 she won her first Triathlon World Cup event in Hungary and has had multiple podium finishes internationally before and since then, at other World Cup events, and International Half Ironman races also.

She has represented Australia multiple times in Triathlon at World Championships at all distances, including Sprint, Olympic Distance, Relay, Duathlon and Half Ironman.

As well as mixing it up racing overseas for a French team in the French Grand Prix League and qualifying for the new hotly contested Super League Triathlon Finals.

Closer to home, Felicity has gained numerous Elite National and State triathlon and running titles across a variety of distances and is a 2 x Noosa Triathlon runner up.

Australia’s Largest triathlon – and her biggest success in WA triathlon – is holding the record for winning the Busselton Half Ironman 4 times and one 2nd place, making her the most successful female triathlete at Busselton.

Currently Felicity is Western Australia’s Female Triathlete of the year. She also feels quite connected to the area having spent large amounts of time training in the south west region with family living in nearby Margaret River as well as her success and love that racing in Busselton has given her.

”My love of this area and our beautiful beaches, combined with the fact Busselton has played such an important part in my career being one of my favourite races and venues, means Busselton really holds a special place in my heart.”

Luke Toki is a contestant from Australian Survivor (2017) and Australian Survivor: Champions v Contenders (2019). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1r44t5otZA

In 2017, he was known for his humorous confessionals and witty personality, as well as his close bond with eventual winner Jericho Malabonga. Luke quickly emerged in the game as a power player, and his refusal to be a backseat driver worked to his advantage. His numerous allies allowed him to travel deep into the merge, before being blindsided for his overall control over the game.

In 2019, Luke returned as the “People’s Champion” on the Champions tribe. Despite being left on the outs early on, Luke and the minority alliance were able to dismantle the Sporty Seven Alliance. While close ally David Genat was blindsided shortly after the merge, Luke quickly recovered and joined forces with the remaining Contenders and Abbey Holmes to blindside Simon Black and Janine Allis.

During the game’s later stages, Luke became the consensus target due to his impressive resume, but a string of Individual Immunity staved off elimination. After spearheading a particularly memorable blindside of Abbey, he was unable to win immunity at the final four and was eliminated after Pia Miranda chose not to force a tie at Tribal Council.

Despite his elimination, the ‘People’s Champion’ or ‘King of the Jungle’ as he fondly referred to himself as proved to be Australian’s favourite son with the general public getting behind his departure with a Go Fund Me Page. After raising over $500,000.00 Luke insisted on the page be shut down and the additional funds donated to Perth charities.

As a local Perth resident, Luke prides himself on being a family man first and foremost. Along with his wife and his three young children, love the lifestyle of Western Australia and enjoy visiting the South West.

Luke now spends his time between work, family and donating his time to support many charities within the Western Australian community.

After spending two seasons with Australian Survivor, Luke is never shy of a good challenge and recognises the importance of Busselton Jetty Swim and the opportunities it offers for every person, every age group, every ability and experience.

• Joint winner of Australian of the Year 2019
• West Australian of the Year 2019
• Star of Courage (SC) 2018
• Order of Australia (OAM) 2018
• Companion of the Order of Direkgunabhorn 2018
• Oztek 2009 Diver of the Year for services to Caving

In July 2018, respected cave diver and retired vet Craig Challen was about to go on a caving holiday in the Nullarbor Plains, when he was called to help on a rescue mission in Thailand. Craig was part of the international team that successfully rescued 12 boys and their coach from a flooded cave in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Craig, who has dived some of Australia’s deepest wrecks and has set depth records in diving, was chosen for the mission based on his technical expertise. Working 10 to 12 hours a day in extremely dangerous conditions, Craig repeatedly risked his life as the children were swum, one-by-one, through the dark and narrow flooded caves.
Despite admitting he initially thought the rescue would be too difficult to accomplish, he played a leading role in this successful and heroic mission.

Craig was awarded the Star of Courage for his unwavering and selfless bravery following the successful rescue of the trapped soccer team.

• Member of Superfins WA and Special Olympics WA
• Has swum Busselton Jetty Swim 10 times
• Represented Australia at the Special Olympics World Games in 2011 in Athens in Softball
• Represented Australia at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2015 in Los Angeles in Open Water Swimming
• Represented Western Australia at the Special Olympics National Game in 2018 in Open Water Swimming
• Sits on the Special Olympics WA State Sporting Working Group

Q. Why did you decide to sign on as an ambassador of the Busselton Jetty Swim?

A. I really enjoy doing the Busselton Jetty Swim. I enjoy all the fun weekend activities offered. I always like meeting lots of swimmers and forming friendships with them over several years. I also want to encourage people with disabilities to join the swim and to meet new people as well.

Q. How many times have you swum the Busselton Jetty Swim?

A. I have swum either solo, duo or teams in the BJS at least 10 times and loved each time

Q. What is your biggest challenge with the Busselton Jetty Swim?

A. My biggest challenge is only the conditions on the day, the wind and strong currents

Q. In your eyes, what makes the Busselton Jetty Swim so special?

A. It is the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere, which makes it pretty special. There are lots of people from all walks of life and all ages and abilities who do the swim. I have a fun weekend with my friends from my swimming club during the event and also afterwards. It is always a great weekend

Q. What do you admire about the people that tackle the Busselton Jetty Swim?

A. It is inspiring that people of all ages give it a go in all conditions. This includes many with disabilities

Q. What did you enjoy most about the event?

A. I enjoy the swim itself and all the great activities offered in the jetty area both before and after the swim. It is great that people can also watch the event from the jetty

Q. What did you enjoy most about the South West?

A. The south west of WA is easy to get to and has lots to offer. The caves, the wineries and the surf beaches are all really good

Q. Has the Busselton Jetty Swim inspired you to continue/take up swimming?

A. Yes the BJS inspires me to continue with my swimming. I have swum since I was a young child and still swim regularly through the year with my swimming club. Through swimming I have been fortunate to represent Australia in open water swimming in Athens. Swimming the BJS has encouraged me to do many open water swims in Perth too

Q. Do you have any advice for the BJS swimmers?

A. Have fun, take your time and do your best. Make sure you train well for the event too

Q. What are your future goals?

A. I will continue to swim regularly and do more Busselton jetty swims. I am delighted to be asked to be an ambassador for this great swim

In 2018 and 2019, Tamara Bruce was named the Busselton Jetty Swim ambassador. She is an accomplished open water swimmer, known for her numerous Rottnest Channel Swim crossings and her induction into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 2017.

She has completed a total of 10 solo crossings in the Rottnest Channel Swim, one duo crossing, and two team crossings with the last team crossing delivering the Queen’s Commonwealth Games Baton to the Island.

She competed in the International Sydney Harbour 30km race, which was her first taste of marathon swimming, coming 12th overall and fifth female.

She was the overall winner of the 1992 Rottnest Channel Swim at the age of 14 and established a new overall course record.

Bruce also re-established the female record at the 1993 Rottnest Channel Swim in a time of 4hr 10min., a record that still stands today.

A year later in 1994 as a 17-year-old, she swam the English Channel in 7:53 which remains tied for the 14th-fastest crossing in history (out of 2256 solo swims) and fasted Australian female solo crossing.

“Busselton Jetty Swim is such an iconic swim. I love the unique setting and the many different ages and abilities that the swim can incorporate,” she said.

“My biggest challenge of the swim is being distracted by the beauty of the jetty and the bottom of the ocean. Last year was so clear (I could) see so many things.

“I admire the courage of all the swimmers that come from all walks of life and abilities and not necessarily seasoned swimmers, but they all have the same goal to swim around the Jetty.”

Her future goal is to have most of her swim squad take part in the Busselton Jetty Swim and make it a tradition. The same squad has also planned a junior English Channel relay.

Hockeyroos #12
(342 Caps, 70 Goals)

Ambassador Profile

Q. Why did you decide to sign on as an ambassador of the Busselton Jetty Swim again?

A. After being involved last year as an ambassador for the BJS I am really excited to again be a part of the action. The conditions last year brought out the best in the swimmers, highlighting their determination and perseverance despite terrible conditions to swim in. To see so many members of the community, both young and old, complete something so difficult in such a supportive environment is a major drawcard for me.

Q. How will you be getting involved as ambassador this year?

A. This year I am looking to be involved in a few different aspects of the swim weekend. I particularly enjoy being down on the beach when the swimmers make it back to shore. The energy and inspiration that is felt at the finish line after the swimmers accomplish something so difficult is hard to beat. I also look forward to the kids swim and getting them pumped up for their race.

Q. In your eyes, what makes the Busselton Jetty Swim so special?

A. The BJS is such a great event as it embraces such a wide mix of the community. You can see young kids participating in their swim, older generations completing it and a range of elite athletes through to amateurs. All of the swimmers finish with a visible sense of pride and satisfaction those kinds of emotions are infectious!

Q. What do you admire about the people that tackle the Busselton Jetty Swim?

A. Last year the swimmers faced some terrible weather and surf conditions and yet despite this the majority finished with a smile on their face. The competitors didn’t back away from the challenges they faced and this was something you could see right from the first swimmer home until the last.

Q. What did you enjoy most about the event last year as ambassador of the Busselton Jetty Swim?

A. There were some great moments during the Busselton Jetty Swim last year but for me the best place to be was on the sand welcoming the swimmers back on to dry land. It is difficult to explain the feeling I had watching so many people achieve one of their dreams. I was in awe.

Q. What did you enjoy most about the South West last year as ambassador of the Busselton Jetty Swim?

A. Definitely the community support and engagement around the swim. It is a beautiful part of the world but for me the way people encouraged their fellow swimmers, came out to watch or volunteered their time says a lot about the people in that community.

Q. Has the Busselton Jetty Swim inspired you to continue/take up swimming?

A. I would like to say yes but I am definitely a land animal! It motivated me to be involved again and to challenge myself in other areas but I am happy to do that from shore!

Q. Do you have any advice for the BJS swimmers?

A. This is a huge challenge but the reward will be worth the effort. Accept there will be moments that are difficult and that you may feel nervous, stressed or overwhelmed. Believe that you are capable of great things despite the obstacles.

• 1999 Young Australian of the Year for Sporting Achievement
• Sports Australia Hall of Fame
• World Champion Paralympic Swimmer
• Motivational Speaker

Ambassador Profile

Q. Why did you decide to sign on as an ambassador of the Busselton Jetty Swim again?

A. It was such a great weekend, full of activities and people participating in a wonderful event. I think it is important to promote events such as this that get a for the WA community to be part of. It is a very inclusive event for all abilities.

Q. How will you be getting involved as ambassador this year?

A. Promotion before the swim to encourage more people to participate. Im happy to be involved in any aspect of the day and really enjoy meeting the swimmers. Also presenting the various awards at the end of the day.

Q. In your eyes, what makes the Busselton Jetty Swim so special?

A. I think because it is so inclusive and the whole community down south make the event so special. It is a beautiful destination at an iconic location.

Q. What do you admire about the people that tackle the Busselton Jetty Swim?

A. They are very brave! I loved seeing the young ones and also the more ‘seasoned’ swimmers

Q. What did you enjoy most about the event last year as ambassador of the Busselton Jetty Swim?

A. I really enjoyed being part of the start of the various waves, looking out on the crowd of people waiting to start and then watching them as they flood out into the ocean. I also really enjoyed meeting some of them on stage.

Q. Has the Busselton Jetty Swim inspired you to continue/take up swimming?

A. Its definitely inspired me to get fit and active and maybe get in a do a few laps!

Q. Do you have any advice for the BJS swimmers?

A. Just have FUN!