MSA Ratifies Bronte Matthews’ Sunshine Swim Along the Gold Coast
Marathon Swimming Australia (MSA) is pleased to formally ratify the Sunshine Swim, completed by Bronte Matthews on 9 May 2026, a remarkable 28.7 kilometre solo open water swim along the full length of Queensland's iconic Gold Coast coastline.
Completed in 10 hours and 15 minutes, Bronte entered the water before dawn at Duranbah Beach, near the Tweed River Mouth, and finished at The Spit, Southport Seaway, after traversing 28.7 kilometres of open Pacific Ocean.
Swimming continuously for more than ten hours through open ocean conditions demanded endurance, concentration and resolve, with Bronte managing swell, currents, fatigue and the many variables that accompany marathon swimming. While an impressive achievement in its own right, the Sunshine Swim was shaped by a purpose beyond the finish line.
A Swim with Purpose
Bronte completed the swim in honour of her late best friend, Elle Howard, while raising funds and awareness for the Yellow Freesia Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting young women navigating a cancer diagnosis.
Through the event, Bronte raised $44,021 to support the Foundation and its important work, with family, friends and the wider community rallying behind her cause.
The swim served as a meaningful tribute to Elle's memory and reflected the resilience, commitment and determination that underpinned Bronte's journey from start to finish.
Official MSA Ratification
Following formal assessment against MSA's ratification standards, Marathon Swimming Australia is pleased to confirm that the Sunshine Swim has been officially ratified.
MSA congratulates Bronte on this outstanding achievement and commends her on completing a swim that combined athletic endeavour with a meaningful purpose. Her effort reflects the perseverance and spirit that continue to define marathon swimming in Australia.
To follow Bronte's journey or support the cause, visit @brontee_m on Instagram and learn more about the work of the Yellow Freesia Foundation.