Teen Champion Bianca Monaco Braces for Potential Weather Disruption in Rottnest Channel Swim
Training nine times a week is a rigorous commitment, but for 18-year-old Bianca Monaco, it's a necessary part of her preparation as she aims to defend her title in Saturday's Rottnest Channel Swim. However, unpredictable weather forecasts for the weekend could throw her plans into uncertainty, adding an extra layer of challenge to the already demanding 20km open water race.
"I'm pretty excited, but I'm definitely starting to feel the nerves with the weather," Ms Monaco admitted. "It's a 20km race, so it really is challenging." Her concerns are shared by event organizers, who are closely monitoring conditions that could impact the safety and feasibility of the swim.
Weather Monitoring and Safety Precautions
The Rottnest Channel Swim Association (RCSA) issued a statement on Wednesday, indicating they are "closely monitoring the weather forecast" ahead of the event. Individual skippers of support boats have been advised to consider weather advice before deciding to set out early on Saturday morning. "At this stage, it is too early to predict if the event will be delayed or cancelled," the statement read.
Organizers will meet with a senior forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology on Thursday and Friday for updates, as well as with the University of Western Australia's Coastal Oceanography Group for information on predicted currents. According to the Bureau, Saturday's forecast includes a sunny day with a maximum temperature of 26 degrees, but light winds are expected to become south to southwesterly at 25 to 35 km/h during the morning.
Risks of Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather can significantly slow swimmers' progress, increasing the risk of hypothermia and stretching safety crews to maximum capacity. This was evident in 2024 when the swim was cancelled mid-way due to deteriorating conditions, forcing thousands of swimmers to withdraw. Several participants were rescued by Fremantle Marine Rescue, with four sent to hospital as a precaution.
Ms Monaco, who will compete in the Champions of the Channel elite category for the third time this year, is among about 20 soloists selected by organizers. Elite swimmers will depart from Cottesloe just before sunrise, aiming to complete the 20km swim. Last year, Ms Monaco finished in an impressive four hours, 18 minutes, and 57 seconds.
Monaco's Swimming Journey and Recent Achievements
"It's cool to be among some of the best swimmers in the Champs of Channel, although on the start line everyone lines up on equal footing as there is so much that can happen on the day," she said. "The race always has great atmosphere, and brings so many swimmers of all abilities together."
Based in Attadale, Monaco began swimming at age 10 and moved into competitive swimming at 13. She trains at North Coast Swim Club, operating out of the Sir Thomas Wardle swimming pool complex at St Mary's Anglican Girls' School in Karinyup. Just last month, she won gold in the Australian Open Water Championships in the 19-year-old female division, a 10km race held at Koombana Bay in Bunbury.
Strong Field and International Recognition
Rottnest Channel Swim Association president Will Rollo noted that the 2026 Champions of the Channel field is set to be the strongest yet, providing local talent with the opportunity to compete against world-class athletes. "This year we are genuinely ecstatic to welcome one of the greatest open water swimmers of all time in Gregorio Paltrinieri, alongside some incredible international and national athletes, to take on Western Australia's very best," Mr Rollo said.
He added, "Having the world's best swimmers come to our event highlights just how strong WA swimming is. WA has the largest community open water series in the southern hemisphere, and the momentum right now is huge." As the event approaches, all eyes will be on the weather and the swimmers, including the reigning teen champion, as they prepare to tackle one of Australia's most iconic open water challenges.
