Superfish Lani Pallister Wins Record-Breaking Seventh Lorne Pier To Pub
Australian superfish Lani Pallister has again proved unstoppable, claiming a record seventh Lorne Pier to Pub 1.2k ocean swim classic on Victoria’s surf coast.
The 23-year-old Queenslander – just as much at home in the surf as she is in the pool, clocked a time of 12 minutes 50 seconds to win the open women’s category, becoming the most successful swimmer in the swim’s 46-year history.
The Paris Olympic gold medallist surpassing Sam Shepherd’s previous record of six victories and saying during the presentations she would love to go for 10 victories.
The men’s open division saw Pallister’s Olympic teammates Sam Short, Nick Sloman and Will Petric dominate the podium.
Short winning in an impressive time of 11:52.
Organisers sent the 5000 strong field into the water for an earlier start with smoke haze covering the coast as a result of bushfires which have ravaged the Victorian countryside and the Mount Otway National Park over the past week.
Pallister telling the Geelong Advertiser it was the hardest Pier To Pub she had ever done.
“I don’t think I’ve ever swum straight into wind,” said Pallister
“I’m an asthmatic so the smoke was not great for me considering I forgot my asthma puffer (laughs).
“A pretty challenging day in the office but I’m always so grateful to come back (and while) having (won) seven is nice but I’d like to get to 10 eventually.”
WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: 2026 Powercor Lorne Pier To Pub winners Sam Short and Lani Pallister. Photo Courtesy Geelong Advertiser.
Women’s Podium:
- 1st – Lani Pallister – 12:50
- 2nd – Dakoda Mathers – 13:32
- 3rd – Sophie Jacka – 14:12
Men’s Podium:
- 1st – Sam Short – 11:52
- 2nd – Nick Sloman – 12:24
- 3rd – William Petric – 12:39
