South West duo, Monika Volpi, aged 68 and Joanna Gibbs, 44, both of Margaret River have overcome personal challenges with a common interest of the ocean and a strong bond that brings them together.
Monika is visually impaired but has not let the disability get in her way. Twenty years ago she took up swimming to fundraise for the Flying Doctors while living in Esperance, and fell in love with ocean swimming and has been swimming ever since.
Monika's love for the ocean and her will to succeed led her to participate in four Busselton Jetty swims so far. In 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011 and now in 2020, she will participate in the SunSmart Busselton Jetty One Mile Swim to Shore event.
Monika had to take a break from swimming after the 2011 swim to battle breast cancer, and began swimming again after being declared cancer free three years ago.
Monika will be guided by her support worker, Jo Gibbs. The 2020 open water swim will be the first for Jo.
"Swimming keeps us both mentally and physically healthy," Jo said.
"We both have arthritis, and I had a hip replacement six months ago so swimming has been great physiotherapy. We will be swimming this year to raise awareness for Margaret River Angels, a charity who helps people and their families while being treated for cancer. As well as completing the One Mile Swim to Shore, we hope to raise as much money as possible for a fabulous local charity which means a lot to both of us. Monika also hopes to inspire others to take on their own challenges. We train three days a week at the local pool with Monika's seeing eye dog Junior stands guard while we swim! Being vision impaired obviously adds to the challenge of completing the swim in many ways. The Busselton Jetty Swim in 2020 will be much busier with 600 participants in the One Mile Swim to Shore, which will make it harder for us to stay together and navigate the swim, but we are both determined to finish!"
A record number of swimmers will be participating in the home grown grassroots event with 2500 swimming in the main 3.6km and 600 in the One Mile Swim to Shore and another 200 in the Busselton Jetty Kids Swim.
With the swim celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2020, the committee and will be marking the occasion with a showcase 'Busselton Jetty Swim Silver Anniversary Celebration' concert and fireworks and exhibition at Railway House. The free family concert is an opportunity to commemorate the milestone plus to thank the local community for continually supporting the event.