She may have been the last swimmer across our finish line in 2024, but Suda might be even more inspiring than some of our elite Gold Cap swimmers.
A highly qualified kidney specialist at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Suda never learned to swim as a child. A bad experience left her terrified of the ocean—so much so that she wouldn’t even stand in the water. But six years ago, she decided to face her fears and enrolled in swimming lessons.
At first, Suda swam with a life jacket, flippers, and a pool noodle. Slowly, as her confidence grew, she was able to let go of the aids, one by one. Four years later, she completed the Busselton Jetty Swim’s One Mile Swim to Shore, with flippers then in 2024 she challenged herself to do the event unaided. And succeeded.
With her newfound love of the water, Suda says she’s working towards swimming the swim the one-mile event again in 2025 with a better time
“I’m not afraid to be last again, I really just want to beat my time from 2024,” she said.
“I think one of the great things about Jetty Swim is that everyone celebrates one another and it’s just fantastic to be a part whether you’re swimming 500m or the full 3.6km around the Jetty.”
Suda also shared her top tips for others thinking of registering for the swim.
“I think sometimes we forget that you don’t have to be good at everything. I’m a much better doctor than I am a swimmer, but swimming really does bring me so much joy.
“So my top tip would be just commit to your goal and don’t give up. Then, surround yourself with people who will help and support you.”
Suda said conquering her fear has also opened the door to new adventures.
“Later this year, I’m going on a multi-day rowing trip in French Polynesia, which is something I never could have done before. It’s amazing how conquering one fear can lead to so many new opportunities.”
Head to the Registration page of our website to learn more about the categories in the 2025 Busselton Jetty Swim.