Miu Tanaka first female to swim from New Norfolk to Bruny

Congratulations to 20 year old female long distance swimmer Miu Tanaka from Hong Kong who completed a standout "Big Swim" down the Derwent River on 13 February 2026. 

Taking part in the Derwent River Big Swim series Miu officially became the first female to swim from the New Norfolk Bridge to Jetty Beach at Bruny Island which is a distance of 58km which was completed in 17 hours, 8 minutes and 1 second. 

Miu also completed a number of other "Big Swims"  which were:

• from the Bridgewater Bridge to Bruny Island – Time 13hrs 4min 01 sec (First female)
• Bowen Bridge to Bruny Island - Time: 9 hrs 58 min 50 sec (First female)
• Tasman Bridge to Bruny Island – Time: 8 hrs 47 min 36 sec and New Norfolk to Tasman Bridge - Time: 8 hrs 20 min 25sec. 

Miu had a favourable north west wind for most of the first half of the swim although the wind was stronger than first forecast. As time went on the conditions improved and Miu still faced strong winds but took it all on to complete the epic achievement.

 Swimming since she was 2 years old, Miu joined a swimming club and separated herself from competitive pool swimming at the age of 12 where she then focused on open water swimming where she trains in Sydney looking to challenge herself in the field of marathon and ultra marathon distances. 

Miu mixes swimming with university studies in Clinical Exercise Physiology and Exercise Science, as well as work and social life and admits it can be challenging. 

"Nothing feels like something I must do. Instead it all feels like something I get to do, and I’m so grateful for that", Mui said.

"Ensuring I have clear goals in all aspects of my life also helps keep me focused and motivated when things get tough". 

After this successful swim Miu is Looking ahead: "I’m preparing to swim the English Channel in August, both solo and as part of a double-crossing relay. Not many people get the chance to do both in one season, so I feel very privileged. Eventually I want to explore the world’s different oceans, attempt swims that no-one’s done before, and see how far I can really push myself."

Congratulations also to Debbie Lewry (Tas bridge -Iron Pot 22.3 kms), Caitlin Murray ,Scott Parkinson and tandem swimmers Simone Blaser and Yolanda Carstens, Justin Hanby and Ned Wieland for completing the 34 km Derwent River Big Swim also in February.