Seven-time world marathon swimming champion Shelley Taylor-Smith returned to her home waters in Perth’s Swan River for the 91st Xstrata Nickel Swim Thru Perth on Sunday. “Perth Swim Thru was always the gala event of the year,” recalled Shelley with fond memories of her youth and beginnings in open water swimming. “Open water swimming has also given me the opportunity to swim through Sydney Harbour, swim around Manhattan Island and swim past the QEII ship. Marathon swimming is a really great way to see the world. When you put your head up to breathe, you see life in a different perspective.”

Shelley is the patron of the Claremont Masters Swimming Club event that she won as a 12-year-old. “My thirst for marathon swimming started from all the Swim Thrus back in my teenage years. The Perth Swim Thru was always the gala event of the year.”

The Xstrata Nickel Swim Thru Perth is the oldest open water swim in Australia.

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