LOCAL LIFE
Aust Triple Crown added to Payne’ s medal tally
by Maryann Callaghan
Kurrajong’ s Michael Payne has officially completed the Australian Triple Crown of ultramarathon swimming— cementing his name alongside some of the nation’ s most respected open-water athletes.
Each swim in NSW, Western Australia and Tasmania, presents its own unique challenges and highlights, the trifecta is one of Australia’ s toughest ultra-endurance achievements in open-water sport.
Michael’ s journey began in April last year with the Palm Beach to Shelley Beach race, under full sun and low winds, according to his coach and father, Steve Payne.
“ This area is well known for various sharks. It lived up to its reputation as a Hammerhead shark passed mid swim to within 5 metres of Michael, soon after he was visited by a large pod of dolphins which was amazing,” he said.
Michael finished the 27km race in an impressive 6 hours and 59 minutes, securing second place— just one minute behind the winner.
Conditions in the next leg, the 25km Port to Pub in March this year, were less kind.
Crossing the Rottnest Channel, swimmers battled windy and rough conditions.
“ Michael stayed disciplined and“ did everything by the book”, completing the swim in 7 hours and 3 minutes and finishing as the sixth male home,” Steve said.
“ Significantly, only the 25-kilometre swimmers [ there is a shorter 19.7km direct crossing ] earn the right to ring the event’ s iconic Leuwin Bell— a moment Michael proudly achieved.”
Backing up just one week later, Michael lined up for the final and longest swim of the Triple Crown, the Derwent River, Tasmania.
“ The swim started at 2.40am in complete darkness in fresh water. The water temperature was a cool 14 degrees but had a warm patch that rose to 21 degrees as he passed a huge paper mill about an hour into his swim,” Steve said.
“ Michael passed under three other bridges along the way in darkness. By sunrise Michael had transitioned into salt water, finishing under the Tasman Bridge in a fast time of 7 hours 1 minute.” This feat completed the Australian Triple Crown. Michael was greeted at the Hobart marina by swim officials, who presented him two certificates and medals – one for the Derwent River swim, the other for completing the Australian Triple Crown.
What is the Australian Triple Crown? The Australian Triple Crown of open-water swimming is a prestigious series of three ultramarathon swims held across Australia. To complete the Crown, swimmers must finish: Palm Beach to Shelley Beach Swim( NSW) Distance: 27 kms Route: Palm Beach to Shelley Beach, Manly Conditions: Ocean swim with potential shark and marine life encounters. Port to Pub Swim( WA) Distance: 25 kms Route: Fremantle to Rottnest Island Conditions: Known for unpredictable weather and rough seas; 25 km finishers ring the iconic Leuwin Bell. Derwent River Big Swim( TAS) Distance: 34 kms Route: From the upper reaches of the Derwent River to Hobart’ s Tasman Bridge Conditions: Fresh to saltwater transition, cold temperatures, and night-time start.
Victory in Tasmania! Michael Payne with his medals and certificates presented by officials upon the completion of the Australian Triple Crown marathon swims.
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 180 // MAY 2025 11