Taking on long distance open water endurance swimming has became a whole new feat for the Elders Real Estate rural property agent.

Ms Brosnan came fourth competing in the 10km open water duo section at the Lake Argyle Swim near Kununarra, with fellow swimmer Steve Petty, on May 4.

About 100 participants from around Australia competed in either the 10km or 20km course, as a solo competitor, in duo teams or teams of four.

The pair swim the course in 3hours and 7minutes, piping a men’s duo team by a stroke.

“I just wanted to do it to the best of my ability,” Ms Brosnan said.

As an Olympic bronze medal winner, Ms Brosnan is not new to elite competition and close calls at the finishing line.

“When I do something, I do it 100%,” she said.

Ms Brosnan competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, as coxswain in the 1000metre fours women's rowing team, winning Australia’s first Olympic medal for women’s rowing. 

With Romania and Canada coming first and second, Australia’s third place spot came down to the wire with the United States of America coming in fourth.

“The US crew thought they had come third, while we were waiting for them to replay the footage, I knew we had taken it,” she said. 

“It was a combination of exhilaration and a fantastic sense of achievement (when the announcement was made).”

She said playing top level sport required dedication, commitment and an enormous amount of time training.

Ms Brosnan said she still loves being active, staying fit and is really enjoying the personal challenge of competitive swimming.

She said the weather and lake conditions for the Lake Argyle Swim were “perfect”, despite being rough when they first arrived.

Ms Brosnan and Mr Petty were supported in the event by boat driver Mal Baker, kayaker Amy Fuchsbichler and logistics by Kate Marshall.    

Nominate your favourite local sporting star!

You know someone who is a passionate soccer player? An up and coming footy star? Your favourite pitcher? A great bull rider or barrel racer? An outstanding lawn bowler? Simply a good sports person - young or old?

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From all nominations a Sporting Star will be selected for the inaugural Katherine Times Sporting Hero award, which will be presented at the Katherine Town Council Australia Day Ceremony 2014.

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