Amazing: Austen Todd has taken on the mighty Murray River in a gruelling swim spanning 50km.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
While many of us were winding down ahead of Christmas, Austen Todd tackled his biggest challenge of the year.
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The Echuca paramedic swam 50km of the Murray River on Thursday, December 21, to raise funds for the mental health organisation 4 Aussie Heroes.
The Queensland-based charity works to provide emergency workers with a range of skills and strategies to overcome mental health issues and post-traumatic stress disorder.
“I was going to swim from Echuca to Barmah, but resource-wise it was difficult to organise,” Mr Todd said.
Instead, Mr Todd tackled 10 five-kilometre swims between the Echuca East boat ramp and Victoria Park boat ramp.
He started at 5am and finished long after the sun had set.
Mr Todd chose to take the plunge rather than a run or bike challenge.
“I didn’t choose swimming because it was easy,” Mr Todd said.
“Swimming in cold water, intense exercise, or pace breathing are all valuable strategies in overcoming mental anguish.
“Swimming is outside of my comfort zone. That’s why I chose it.”
Mr Todd’s odyssey was complemented by an extensive support crew who shared kayaking duties for the many laps.
“While swimming and between each leg, I’m constantly having smoothies to help ensure I’m consuming enough calories to reach my goal,” he said.
Incredible: Austen Todd had a support crew for his swim, including Natasha Jacobi in the kayak.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
“The nearby kayak has drink containers holding nutritious smoothies while I’m swimming. I also eat small snacks once I exit the water and before I return here at Echuca East boat ramp.”
Mr Todd launched a GoFundMe page with the goal of reaching $10,000.
He said the donations would support fellow ambulance officers, police, firefighters and corrections officers who had experienced trauma in the line of duty.
“We appreciate the support from the community and those who were able to donate money to such a worthy cause,” he said.
Mr Todd’s wife Sarah is also a paramedic and said her husband’s swim was an inspiration.
“Austen is passionate about supporting fellow first responders and wants to raise as much money as he can by swimming 50km,” Mrs Todd said.
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