Field sets new benchmark at Champion Bay Challenge Swim

Swimmers marked the Australia Day celebrations at the Champion Bay Surf Lifesaving Club with the fifth annual Champion Bay Challenge Swim.

The conditions were described as perfect — reflected in the official times with Ross Field setting a new benchmark in the 6km category with a swim of 1hr 18mins, the fastest time ever recorded.

It was so fast officials were unsure if he completed six laps with Field going around for one more lap in what turned out to be a 7km swim.

However, the original time stood as he became just the second person to break the 1hr 20min barrier after three-time winner Jason Potts managed 1hr 19mins in the inaugural event in 2019.

Nick Adam was awarded the open 6km champion with 1hr 27mins with Bree Elliott the female winner in 1hr 28mins.

Luke Neuwert came home first in the 3km swim in 41mins and 34s ahead of runner-up and female winner Nicole Chamberlain who finished in 44mins and 16s.

Matthew Chamberlain was the 1km winner in 15mins 50s as Tara Eggleston took out the female category in 18min 20s.

Bodhi Smith, 12, took out the junior 500m in 7mins 51s ahead of 11-year-old Sahara Coyle.