From training in local pool to swimming around Manhattan Island

Far from the open waters of New York, Peta Bradley is preparing for the formidable 45km "20 Bridges Swim" around Manhattan Island by training in a 25-meter council pool in Gulargambone, a small town in central-west New South Wales. The town, with a population of about 500, is home to Bradley, who commutes from a sheep and cropping property before dawn several times a week to train. Despite the Gulargambone Pool typically closing for winter, the Coonamble Shire has granted Bradley special access, allowing her to continue her rigorous training. "The shire's been so kind and has let me have a key so I can go in and do early morning swims on weekends," she said. "They're keeping the pumps and filters running for me through to the end of May, which is amazing." Bradley, a cold-water swimmer, regularly logs over 10 kilometers per session in the pool. She breaks down her 18km training days into 12 segments of 1,500 meters, each taking about 23 minutes, followed by a quick feed and drink before starting the next segment. This meticulous approach involves over 700 tumble turns per session. The "20 Bridges Swim" is considered one of the open-water "Triple Crown" swims, alongside the Catalina and English Channel swims. The 45km circumnavigation typically starts at the southern tip of Manhattan Island and proceeds counterclockwise. It is a solo effort, accompanied only by a kayaker and a support boat, and can take eight to 10 hours to complete. Approximately 60 solo swimmers undertake this challenge annually. Locals in Gulargambone have expressed pride and inspiration from Bradley's extraordinary dedication. Cath and David Peart, residents who sometimes swim with Bradley during her training, noted how unusual it is for their town to have an athlete competing at such a high level. "We all love coming along to do our little 500m or kilometre, and we're proud of that, but having somebody swim at the level Peta does, we're really proud of that," Cath said.

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The shire's been so kind and has let me have a key so I can go in and do early morning swims on weekends. They're keeping the pumps and filters running for me through to the end of May, which is amazing.