Australia’s “Wingless Warrior” and a Paralympic silver medallist will take on the 2025 Busselton Jetty Swim to inspire others to challenge their limits.
Kerry-Lee Gockel, known to her Instagram followers as The Wingless Warrior, was born without arms. Husband Paul Gockel represented Australia at the 1992 and 1996 Paralympic Games earning a silver medal. The duo share a passion for open water swimming and have been named Joint Ambassadors for our 2025 event.
It will be Kerry-Lee and Paul’s first time participating in the Jetty Swim and they’re excited!
“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, who spent two of her childhood years in WA before moving interstate, learnt to swim on her back but now swims using a freestyle kick and swim fins. She has completed several marathon swims, including the 20km Swim Around Keppel in a duo relay with Paul, accompanied by a companion swimmer. Paul, who has spina bifida transitioned from pool swimming to open water challenges following his retirement from competition.
The pair, who both work full time for the Queensland Government, currently swim in a pool 2 to 3 times a week for fitness as well as a ocean swim up to 5km each weekend.
“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.
“But more than that, we love the open water swimming community – it’s so welcoming and inclusive and it’s these wonderful people that support me and allow me to do all the epic swims that I do.”
Busselton Jetty Swim committee member Sue Barrett met the couple at a swimming retreat in French Polynesia earlier this year. She said she knew immediately they would make ideal ambassadors for the events 30th year.
“Busselton Jetty Swim has always been about inspiring everyday people to swim,” said Sue. “Kerry-Lee and Paul’s resilience, determination and overall lust for life make them the perfect for the job of encouraging people of all abilities to embrace a swimming challenge, whether it’s their first 500m swim or the full 3.6km around the Jetty.”