A LAP swimmer for many years, Bendigo's Cheryl Hesse overcame the challenges of her first ocean swim to achieve a high placing in her age group at the Whitehaven challenge on the Whitsundays.
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Cheryl and husband Morris were encouraged by their daughter, Leah Hesse to compete in the 2km ocean swim.
Many laps were swum by Cheryl and Morris in the lead-up to swimming in the pristine waters.
Despite the choppy conditions, Cheryl was able to achieve a time of 47.44 minutes and be runner-up in the 60-69 years class.
"It was the toughest swim I have done in my life," Cheryl said at Bendigo Aquatic Centre, the pool where she and Morris have swum many laps.
"I had never done an ocean race, so that was a challenge in itself.
"The water was a lot rougher than I or Morris expected."
Morris was fifth in the 60-69 years classi, Leah was fourth in 30-39 years.
Another Bendigo siwmmer, Karena Spencer was sixth in the 30-39 years division.
The ocean classic drew 280 competitors across a wide range of ages and abilities.
"It was a daunting experience, but also exhilirating," Cheryl said.
"In many ways it was about having a go, so that's what I, Morris, Leah and many others did."
Cheryl first started swimming on a serious basis when she was 10 years old.
"I learnt to swim at Bendigo East Swimming Pool." It's also where she first met Morris.
Cheryl competed with Bendigo Swimming Club and said being in the pool was all about maintaining fitness.
Other sporting pursuits over the years have included netball, golf, volleyball, lawn bowls, and tennis.
Olympic champion Susie 'Madame Butterfly' O'Neill won the women's race in 29.21.
A 10-time Australian surf champion, Ky Hurst was fastest overall in 23.15 and later presented medals at the ceremony on Hamilton Island.
