James Pittar
Blind Long Distance Swimmer & Inspirational Speaker
Inspiring audiences worldwide with stories of resilience, determination, and overcoming adversity through extraordinary swimming challenges.
Contact JamesConquer the Impossible
From the English Channel to Antarctica
Follow my journey through some of the world's most challenging open water swims and discover what's possible when you refuse to let limitations define you.
Explore James' SwimsSwimming Blind
My New Book - Available Now
A powerful memoir about navigating life's challenges and achieving extraordinary goals. Discover the lessons learned from a life lived in darkness.
Watch the promoEpic Swims
From the English Channel to Antarctica, discover incredible long-distance swimming achievements that push the boundaries of human endurance.
Public Speaking
Powerful keynotes on resilience, adversity, and achieving the impossible. Inspire your team or organization.
New Book
A powerful memoir about navigating life's challenges and achieving extraordinary goals against all odds.
Featured Swims
Extraordinary journeys through water, pushing the limits of what's possible
Bering Strait Relay
📍 Bering Strait, Providenia Russia to Alaska USA
🏊 86 km
In 2013, James was part of the first-ever staged relay team of 66 swimmers from 16 countries and 6 continents to swim the entire length of the Bering Strait from Russia to Alaska. The team received a Guinness World Record and WOWSA Performance of the Year award.
Strait of Gibraltar
📍 Strait of Gibraltar, Spain to Morocco
🏊 14 km
In 2002, James became the first Australian to swim the Strait of Gibraltar, crossing from Spain to Morocco across one of the world's most strategic waterways.
Perth to Rottnest Island
📍 Perth to Rottnest Island, Western Australia
🏊 19.7 km
One of Australia's most iconic ocean swims, James has completed this challenging 19.7km open water swim multiple times between 1998 and 2003, demonstrating consistency and endurance in his home waters of Western Australia.
What People Say
Hear from those who've experienced James's inspiring story
Emily Jones
Tourism and Communications Coordinator • Greater Hume Shire council
" James provided an excellent Ambassador address at our 2025 Australia Day ceremony in Henty. His address was extremely well received within the community as it was entertaining, informative and very well presented. Outside of the ceremony, James was easy to welcome into the community as he was happy to socialise and talked with locals and visitors alike. James made a great impression on the community, and we would love to welcome James back to Greater Hume as an Australia Day Ambassador. "
Brendan
Digital Transformation Lead • CommunityToGo
"James' story was so inspiring. My team got a huge amount out of it."
Featured Articles
Insights, stories, and inspiration from the journey
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, James has received numerous prestigious awards including induction into both the International and Australian Marathon Swimming Halls of Fame, a Guinness World Record, and various national honors.
The Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming
In 2006, James became the first Australian to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming - the English Channel, Manhattan Island Marathon, and Catalina Channel.
What the Water Taught Me About Resilience
There is a moment in every long open water swim when the shore has disappeared. You can't see it behind you, and you can't see what lies ahead. For most swimmers, that moment is unsettling. For me, it's just Tuesday. What I've learned — through the English Channel, through Antarctica — is that resilience isn't what most people think it is.
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