Extraordinary journeys through water, pushing the limits of what's possible
📍Robben Island to Blouberg, Cape Town, South Africa
🏊7.5 km
In 2014, James became the first blind person to complete the iconic Freedom Swim from Robben Island to Blouberg Beach in Cape Town, South Africa - the same route that symbolizes Nelson Mandela's journey to freedom.
📍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.
📍California, USA
🏊31.6km
💝Fred Hollows Foundation
Channel crossing from Catalina Island to Los Angeles. The final swim in the Triple Crown, along with the English Channel and the Manhattan Island Marathon.
📍New Zealand
🏊28kms long
Swim from South Island to North Island of 28 kms long taking me 8 hours and 31 minutes
📍Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, California, USA
🏊4.8 km
In 2003, James became the first blind person to complete a double crossing of the infamous Alcatraz swim in San Francisco Bay, swimming from Alcatraz to San Francisco and back.
📍Bordighera, Italy to Monaco Monte Carlo
🏊25 km
💝World Sport for Good Foundation
In 2003, James swam from Bordighera, Italy to Monaco Monte Carlo for the World Sport for Good Foundation, swimming along the stunning Italian Riviera and French coastline.
📍Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
🏊7.2 km
In 2003, James became the first blind person to complete the Great Chesapeake Bay Swim in Baltimore, USA, crossing one of America's most iconic estuaries.
📍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.
📍Massachusetts, USA
🏊26km
💝NA
Inter-island swim between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Island.
📍New York, USA
🏊46km
Manhattan Island Marathon
📍Manly to Queenscliff Beach, Sydney, Australia
🏊32 km (23 laps)
In 1999, James set a record by completing 23 laps of the iconic Manly to Queenscliff beach swim in Sydney - a record that still stands today.
📍English Channel (England to France)
🏊36km
First blind person to cross the English Channel.
📍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.
Each swim represents a deliberate choice to push beyond perceived limitations, demonstrating that physical challenges don't have to define what's possible.
Every challenge is an opportunity to shine a light on important causes, particularly those supporting accessibility and vision impairment advocacy.
These swims serve as powerful examples that inspire people facing their own challenges to pursue their dreams with determination and courage.
Each swim brings together supporters, volunteers, and advocates who believe in the power of human potential and collective action.
" 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. "
Emily Jones
Tourism and Communications Coordinator • Greater Hume Shire council
"James' story was so inspiring. My team got a huge amount out of it."
Brendan
Digital Transformation Lead • CommunityToGo
Help James achieve his next swimming goal and support the charities that make accessibility possible for everyone. Your contribution makes a difference.