Marathon swimming in Australia has a long and proud history, shaped by swimmers willing to challenge distance and conditions, and by volunteers committed to recognising those achievements with integrity and care.

For decades, Australian marathon swims were documented through the dedication of individuals and small groups, observers, pilots, officials and fellow swimmers, who understood that recognition mattered. These early records were built on trust, shared standards and a deep respect for the water and the people who entered it.

The Australian Long Distance Swimming Federation (ALDSF) was formed in 1973 to bring greater consistency and credibility to this process. ALDSF provided a national framework for recognising marathon swims, preserving records, and ensuring that achievements were documented fairly and transparently. For more than fifty years, it served as the custodian of Australia’s marathon swimming history, guided largely by volunteers and the shared values of the swimming community.

Marathon Swimming Australia builds directly on this legacy. The transition from ALDSF to MSA reflects the natural evolution of the sport, modernising systems, aligning with international best practice, and enhancing accessibility, while remaining firmly grounded in the principles that have always defined marathon swimming: integrity, safety, and respect for every swim.

Today, MSA proudly builds on this legacy, safeguarding decades of achievement while supporting the next generation of swimmers. Our role is not to rewrite history, but to protect it, honour it, and ensure that every swim, past, present and future, is recognised as part of Australia’s enduring marathon swimming story.

Our History and Leadership

Founded in Hobart, Tasmania, on 26 January 1973, the Australian Long Distance Swimming Federation (ALDSF) gave marathon swimmers recognition, structure, and legitimacy.

The founding leadership of the Australian Long Distance Swimming Federation (ALDSF) included:

• Christopher Guesdon – President

• Dick Campion – Deputy President

• Susanne Guesdon – Secretary

• John Koorey – Executive Member

All four, along with the ALDSF itself, were later inducted into the Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (AMSHOF), with Christopher Guesdon, Dick Campion, and Susanne Guesdon also honoured by the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF).

In May 2022, Christopher Guesdon and Dick Campion stepped down after decades of leadership, passing the reins to Doug Hughson (President), Val Kalmikovs (Vice President), and Sharon Young (Secretary).

In March 2025, a new generation of leadership was appointed, with Christian Renford elected President and directors Dean Summers, Katya Noble, Michael Teys, and Alan Boydell joining the board, bringing fresh energy, governance expertise, and a renewed vision for the sport.

Just a few months later, in September 2025, the organisation rebranded as Marathon Swimming Australia (MSA), cementing its role as the national governing body for open water swimming in Australia and carrying forward this legacy into a new era.

Over five decades, the organisation has evolved, supporting international competition and establishing the Australian Triple Crown in ratifying iconic swims such as the Derwent River Big Swim and Port to Pub, and Palm Beach to Shelly Beach swims.

Further Honours

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

In 2023, the ALDSF was honoured by the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honor Contributor – Organization for its outstanding global impact on the sport.

International Links

We maintain close ties with international organisations, including the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) and the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF).

These partnerships allow Australian swimmers to participate in and be recognised globally.