Local Swimming Icon Lesley Meaney will be our 2026 Busselton Jetty Swim Ambassador.
Lesley Meaney has inspired countless open water swimmers over six decades and her lifelong achievements, in and out of the water, make her the perfect ambassador for our event.
She first entered the swimming spotlight in 1969 as the first female to swim the Rottnest Channel (in a time of 19.7km crossing in 9 hours and 35 minutes), despite being warned not to attempt it because she was a woman.
Almost 60 years later, she became a world champion, winning gold at the 2025 World Masters Aquatic Championships in Singapore for the 3km Open Water Swim (80–84-year age group).
Out of the water, Lesley is also a former Australian Hockeyroo, having represented Australia at the 1973 Women’s World Cup in Amsterdam, as well as accomplished artist, recently participating in Margaret River Region Open Studios.
The Yallingup resident and Busselton Masters Swimming Club member said it was a joy and a privilege to be named Ambassador of the much-loved community event.
““Busselton Jetty Swim is an iconic event around an iconic structure in an iconic location, organised by our passionate and dedicated community.
“I’ve completed two solo Jetty Swims as an elderly competitor, and they’ve been memorable and rewarding.
What I love most though, is that it’s an event for everyone. Whether you’re an Olympic swimmer or attempting your first open water event, it’s all about achieving something for yourself.
“It’s so special seeing the first-timers at the finish line, looking back in awe at the Jetty, realising they’ve made the distance. And the camaraderie amongst all the swimmers is unbeatable.”
Lesley knows what it means to set a goal, work toward it, and achieve it, which is exactly what the Jetty Swim is all about – people from all walks of life, with different reasons for swimming, setting a challenge. We’re delighted to have her as our 2026 Ambassador.
lesley’s top tips
Lesley has shared a few reminders for anyone preparing for the Jetty Swim.
- Maintain a relaxed, but effective kick throughout your swim except nearing the finish.
- Ration your energy supply – so it’s only at the finish you have nothing else in the tank.
- Sight frequently with just your eyes above the water – not your nose and mouth
- Acknowledge that it is a privilege to be a participant. You are doing what you love doing. ENJOY the Journey – the training – the start – the swim – the finish – all with like-minded folk.
- Remember that you have no control over the conditions on the day which makes open water swimming so unique, unpredictable and challenging – but also rewarding. If the conditions are less than ideal, visualize finishing with every stroke getting you closer to the beach. Remind yourself that you could have remained on shore in an environment of safety, warmth and stability but the moment you start swimming you will have another adventure, and you will be celebrating human endeavour.
- Always be fair and courteous to other swimmers.