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Perth’s Max Coten, 18, breaks Lake Argyle Swim solo record

Jane MurphyThe Kimberley Echo
Participants of the record-breaking 2022 Lake Argyle Swim.
Camera IconParticipants of the record-breaking 2022 Lake Argyle Swim. Credit: Lake Argyle Swim

A Perth 18-year-old made history last Saturday when be became the fastest solo swimmer ever to complete the 20km in the 2022 First National Kimberley Lake Argyle Swim.

Max Coten, from the Perth suburb of Shelley, was among swimmers who took to the water last weekend to complete the gruelling swim, battling choppy conditions across the State’s most famed man-made lake.

Completing the swim in a mere 4 hours, 22 minutes and 24 seconds, Mr Coten beat the previous record set in 2011 by a whopping 14 minutes.

This wasn’t the only record broken on the day. With over 300 participants in the water, it was the biggest turnout in the event’s history.

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The open water swimming event attracts hundreds each year from around the country to participate in 10km or 20km swims as a Solo, Duo or Quad.

Penguins took out first place for 20km Duo with a time of 4 hours, 51 minutes and 33 seconds, while 20km Quad was won by Darwin Buffs who swam it in 5 hours, 51 minutes and 37 seconds.

Giacomo Lucivero won the 10km solo swim, finishing at 2 hours, 18 minutes and 14 seconds.

Lasher and Lashed finished first in the 10km Duo swim with a time of 2 hours, 39 minutes and 32 seconds.

The State’s own Deputy Premier, Roger Cook, also competed, swimming as part of the winning Royal Life Saving Team in the 10km Quad at 2 hours, 21 minutes and 23 seconds.

The Deputy Premier said he was “blown away by the spectacular event”.

The day ended with some post-race celebrations at the Gala Presentation Dinner which hosted a crowd of 700 swimmers, paddlers, skippers, volunteers and spectators at the Lake Argyle Resort.

The event’s organiser Glenn Taylor said he was very pleased by the turn out.

“Every year we just keep growing,” he said. “Feedback from everyone is always really positive and this year’s event was no different.”

“The day was fantastic, in and out of the water.”

Mr Taylor said spaces are limited in the event, so he always encouraged people to get in early.

“This year’s registration sold out in seven minutes, the solo selling out in two.”

Registration for next years swim will open on November 1, 2022.

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