A last-minute decision to enter the Bondi to Bronte swim has become a 25-year tradition for Shaun Clyne and Kellie Wheelahan, who are preparing to take part together for the 25th consecutive edition.
The couple are expected to return on Sunday, 8 November 2026, when the event celebrates its 25th anniversary. Their involvement began with the inaugural swim in 2001, which they entered without expecting it to become a longstanding part of their lives. Clyne and Wheelahan have since maintained their participation through family milestones and competing commitments, including birthdays, holidays and christenings.
How The Bondi to Bronte Swim Became A Family Tradition
Wheelahan had already started ocean swimming in her 20s and had participated in events along Sydney’s Northern Beaches before entering the first Bondi to Bronte with her husband. Some editions have been more demanding than others. Wheelahan remembers the 2006 event for its difficult ocean conditions, particularly the large waves swimmers encountered approaching Bronte Beach.
The following year brought another challenge when she returned to the event just six weeks after giving birth to the couple’s son. Maintaining her participation record had become an important consideration in her decision to enter. Their involvement has since extended to the next generation. All three of their children have completed the event, and the five family members have swum together on a couple of occasions.
Wheelahan has identified her uninterrupted participation record as a reason to continue entering, particularly after learning how few swimmers had completed every edition. She has also expressed an intention to keep participating beyond the upcoming anniversary.
Anniversary Course Returns To Bondi Beach
The Bondi to Bronte Ocean Swim was established in 2001 by Graham Ford, then president of Bronte Surf Club, to raise funds for young club competitors travelling to the 2002 World Life Saving Championships in Daytona, Florida.
The swim has remained a major annual fundraising activity for Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, with the 2026 anniversary featuring a return to its traditional Bondi-to-Bronte direction after the reverse-course event in 2025. The route takes swimmers from Bondi Beach around Mackenzies Point towards Bronte Beach. Organisers have also brought back the 5km event as part of the anniversary program.
Other longstanding participants preparing to maintain their records include Leonard Gentin, Rozanne Green and Tim Ryan, each of whom took part in the inaugural event. The anniversary swim has been moved from its traditional early-December date to November for 2026 only. Entry information, fees and course arrangements are available through the official event registration page, which advises swimmers to enter online by 10 pm on Friday, 6 November.
Published 2-November-2026
