At 29 years old, Rachel has established herself as an accomplished marathon swimmer, recently becoming the 63rd person to complete the Australian Triple Crown of marathon swimming - a recognition awarded to swimmers who have completed three of Australia’s most challenging long-distance swims: the Palm Beach to Shelley Beach, the Port to Pub Ultra Marathon and the Derwent River Big Swim.
Rachel’s connection to swimming began early. Growing up around the ocean, she completed her first ocean swimming event at just eight years old and has been involved in the sport ever since. She also grew up connected to CanToo through her mum’s involvement in the community, and later went on to coach the Manly swim pod in her early adult years.
Today, Rachel combines her passion for swimming with fundraising for CanToo in memory of her grandmother, who passed away from leukaemia. To date, Rachel has fundraised over $22,000 for CanToo's dual mission, contributing meaningfully to early and emerging cancer research.
On 30 April 2022, Rachel completed the Palm Beach to Shelley Beach swim, covering 27km in 8 hours and 46 minutes.
At the time, it was the longest endurance swim she had attempted and presented a significant step into marathon swimming. The event challenged her physically and mentally, particularly as much of the experience was new territory.
Rachel describes the River Derwent Swim as one of the most memorable swims she has completed. The 34km freshwater swim took 7 hours and 26 minutes and involved cold conditions, strong currents and windy weather.
With much of the swim completed in darkness, Rachel found the experience calm and meditative despite the challenging conditions.
Just three weeks after completing the River Derwent Swim, Rachel took on the Port to Pub crossing from Perth to Rottnest Island.
The 25km open-water swim was another demanding challenge, with Rachel navigating illness, stingers, dizziness and nausea throughout the event. Despite the conditions, she completed the swim in 9 hours and 5 minutes.
After years of training and preparation, Rachel completed the Australian Triple Crown of marathon swimming, becoming the 63rd person to achieve the milestone.
The accomplishment reflects not only her endurance and consistency as an athlete, but also her commitment to personal growth and raising funds for cancer research.
Prior to completing the Triple Crown, Rachel shared:
“While these swims will test everything I have, they don’t compare to the strength required of cancer patients and their families.”
After hearing Rachel’s story, it’s clear these words genuinely reflect who she is - generous, resilient and determined in both her swimming and her support of others.
For Rachel, swimming is strongly connected to self-pride and personal accomplishment.
“Everyone deserves to be proud of themselves,” she believes, "your self worth comes from your self pride."
Her approach to marathon swimming is centred on challenging herself, building resilience and continuing to push beyond her comfort zone.
Through her swimming and fundraising efforts, Rachel continues to support CanToo’s dual mission while honouring her grandmother’s memory.
Thank you, Rachel, for your incredible fundraising efforts and your ongoing support of CanToo. Your dedication, commitment and positive approach continue to make a meaningful impact on early and emerging cancer research and serve as an inspiration to those around you.
Discover more about Rachel’s inspiring story by clicking here. And if you’re ready for your next challenge while supporting CanToo, why not set up your own CanToo Beyond page today?
