Meet our team taking on the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim

South32 is proud to be supporting the swim for the sixth year, backing this iconic Western Australian event that brings swimmers, support crews, and volunteers together around a shared challenge.  

Among them is a team of four based in our Perth office who have been training together for months in the lead-up to race day. 

We caught up with Andrew Clark, Josh Whibley, Martiens de Jager and Samantha Schilperoort to hear about the training, the nerves, and what will get them through the epic challenge. 

What made you say yes to doing the Rottnest swim together again this year?   

“Last year post swim I recall myself, Josh and Sam all reflecting on how good it was to finish, but that we wouldn’t be doing it again,” says Andrew. “Then Martiens’ enthusiasm managed to talk us all back into it. The average looking forecast aside I’m really looking forward to it now!” 

Josh agrees it was tough. “Similar to Andrew, it was such a tough but rewarding experience to cross the finish line last year. Every year we hope for perfect conditions but have yet to see it so here’s hoping that this is our year!” 

For Martiens, who moved to Perth recently, the swim looked like a lot of fun. “I had major FOMO (fear of missing out) last year watching everyone else take part, so I decided to try this year. I also love trying new things – four months ago I couldn’t even swim two laps, so this felt like the perfect challenge to push myself and learn something completely new.” 

Samantha’s drawn to the day itself. “The day of the swim is just such a fun one. Being out on the water, a bit of friendly competitiveness, and that feeling of accomplishment once you’ve crossed the channel, it’s hard not to want to do it again. I’m genuinely excited to tackle it again with the crew.” 

What’s been the hardest part of training, or what’s surprised you the most along the way?   

“Finding the time to train and keeping yourself accountable is always a challenge,” says Andrew. “Lining up swims with each other (or other friends) always helps, but plenty of self-commitment is needed. You never feel like you’ve done enough, but luckily, we aren’t fighting for a medal so just need to make it through.” 

Josh echoes the juggling act. “Trying to juggle all the other life commitments in both a personal and professional capacity with how much swim training is required can be tough. Thankfully we have a great team that motivates each other.” 

For Martiens, the technical side has been eye-opening. “What surprised me the most is just how much technique there is to swimming. I had no idea how many little adjustments (body position, breathing, etc) make such a big difference. It’s been humbling but also really rewarding to see the improvement.” 

And Samantha? “I really hate being cold and to find the time to train it’s usually early mornings or late evenings which is inevitably quite chilly.” 

How would you describe the team?  

Andrew: “Unorganised, but still committed, and all nervously confident.” 

Josh: “Unrealistically optimistic about good weather.” 

Martiens: “Balancing accounting humour with open water chaos.” 

Samantha: “We’re probably a team that bites off more than we can chew. We are all busy, slightly overcommitted, but still somehow said yes to the swim anyway.” 

Andrew, Samantha and Martiens doing some team training

When you’re halfway to Rottnest, what will you be thinking about? 

Andrew’s expecting a few thoughts to rotate through: “What was that shadow?”, “I feel great, this is easy”, “My arms hurt, this sucks”, “Am I swimming the right way?”. 

Josh keeps it simple: “Hot cross buns.” 

For Martiens, it’s survival mode. “I’ll probably be in survival mode fighting for my life, so there might not be much thinking happening at that point! But in between breaths I’ll remind myself how far I’ve come and that there’s no way I’m letting the team down!” 

Samantha’s thoughts are all on the course. “The mid-point is pretty close to the shipping lane which is also my worst fear and least favourite part of the swim. It’s very deep and dark water and the furthest point from any land. Massive ships and bigger swell. Once this part is done it’s full tilt on to Rottnest where the excitement rises, cadence picks up and the ‘BMT’ (big match temperament) hopefully kicks in.” 

Alongside this team, a number of our people from the Perth office and Worsley Alumina will also be taking part in this year’s swim, supported by crews focused on making the crossing safely. 

Good luck to our team and everyone taking on the channel this weekend!