The Australian Long Distance Swimming Federation (ALDSF) has played a significant role in the history and promotion of open water swimming in Australia

The ALDSF was established in Hobart, Tasmania, on January 26, 1973, by Christopher Guesdon and a passionate group of open water swimmers. The organization was created to recognize marathon swimmers in Australia. Over 51 years, the ALDSF has become the longest-serving open water swimming organization in Oceania, earning national and international recognition.

Marathon swimmers didn’t have official recognition or chances to compete in national events before 1973. The founding members of the Federation were Christopher Guesdon (President), Dick Campion (Deputy President), Susanne Guesdon (Secretary), and John Koorey (Executive Member).

The Federation’s inaugural event was the 34 km Derwent River Big Swim, which started in 1972, a year prior to the Federation’s official establishment. The event was a catalyst for the ALDSF’s future programs. Australian open water swimming is characterized by the challenging conditions of the Derwent River, which include a combination of fresh and saltwater and constantly changing weather.

Leadership

The founding leadership of the ALDSF included Christopher Guesdon (President), Dick Campion (Deputy President), Susanne Guesdon (Secretary), and John Koorey (Executive Member). All four individuals, along with the ALDSF, were later inducted into the Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (AMSHOF), and the first three were also inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF).

In May 2022, Christopher Guesdon and Dick Campion stepped down as President and Deputy President. They passed the leadership to Doug Hughson as the new President, Val Kalmikovs as Vice President and Sharon Young as Secretary.

In March 2025 the leadership was passed to Christian Renford as the new President and Dean Summers, Katya Noble, Michael Teys, Kylie Summers and Alan Boydell as new directors, bringing fresh energy and expertise to the organisation.

In June 2025 the national governing body for open water swimming in Australia, previously known as ALDSF (Australian Long Distance Swimming Federation), officially rebranded as Marathon Swimming Australia.

History

International Recognition

The ALDSF gained worldwide acclaim because of its associations with prominent marathon swimming organizations like the International Long Distance Swimming Federation (ILDSF) and the World Professional Marathon Swimming Federation. These affiliations allowed Australian swimmers to compete in high-profile international events, including the ILDSF World Championships and the Maratona del Golfo Capri-Napoli.

National Team and Competitions

The ALDSF organized the first national marathon swimming team for Australia, which competed in professional circuits in Italy and Canada. Notable events included the ILDSF World Championships (1975, 1976), Maratona del Golfo Capri-Napoli, Traversée internationale du lac St-Jean, and the 24 Heures La Tuque.

Organization

According to its constitution, ALDSF has its headquarters in the same state where the current president resides. Headquarters have been located in several Australian states, including New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. A volunteer board is responsible for event planning, program development, and international relations.

Further Honours

• The International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame honoured the ALDSF in 2023 by recognizing it as an Honor Contributor – Organization for its contributions to the sport.

• The ALDSF was inducted into the Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 2022 for its pivotal role in the advancement of marathon swimming in Australia.