gen Rottnest Channel Swim

Swimmers have glided through the finish line of this year’s Rottnest Channel Swim — with a 17-year-old superstar stealing the show in the women’s event.

Bianca Monaco was the first solo female to reach Thompson Bay in four hours, 18 minutes and 57 seconds — just four minutes shy of the record which was set by Chloe Truscott in 2023.

Truscott finished the race in four hours, 14 minutes and 31 seconds.

Max Coten, 21, was the first swimmer to cross the channel after completing it in four hours and two minutes on Saturday morning.

Alessio Occhipinti came in second, just six minutes behind Coten. He was then followed by Byron Kimber.

The race for second and third for the women was as close with Bianca Crisp sailing through just seven seconds before Katelyne Irwin who finished in four hours, 25 minutes and 53 seconds.

The event splashed off at 5am at Cottesloe Beach without a hitch as thousands of competitors braved the chilly conditions to swim to WA’s favourite holiday island.

Organisers were forced to cancel the event in 2024 because of rough seas — only the second time in had happened in its 34-year history.

A number of swimmers who had already started had to be rescued.

But the 2025 version had far better conditions, with cloudy skies clearing as the day’s temperature headed towards 25C.

A total of 2754 athletes from 12 different countries — Australia, Germany, Italy, France, Croatia, Britain, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA — took part in the swim.

They were joined at Cottesloe Beach by family, friends, supporters and spectators, with a horn blast sending the swimmers on their way.

Premier Roger Cook was also on hand to cheer competitors along, as well as independent MP Kate Chaney.

Veteran Rottnest Channel solo swimmer Andrew Page was among those taking part, looking to cross the finish line for his 44th time.

The youngest swimmer is Cooper Chesire at just 14.