Blog & Stories
Insights, experiences, and inspiration from James's journey
Featured
2026 Fred's big run
Today Saturday the 8th of August , I did my Land style Olympic Triathlon as part of my fundraising for Fred's Big run, as I am raising money for The Fred Hollows Foundation of which $25 raised cures someone's eyesight in a developing country. As part of my Olympic land style Triathlon, I started with a 40km exercise bike ride of which took me 2 hours and 15 minutes, I then did a 2km swim in the Pool taking me 45 minutes and then I finished off with a 10km walk on the Tread mill. This was all done on the day at Alliance Stadium at Moore Park. To donate to my fundraising page please go to: www.fredsbigrun.org/fundraisers/jamespittar/freds-big-run-2026 Thank you for supporting me and giving the gift of sight back to people overseas
Read MoreAll Articles
2026 Fred's big run
Today Saturday the 8th of August , I did my Land style Olympic Triathlon as part of my fundraising for Fred's Big run, as I am raising money for The Fred Hollows Foundation of which $25 raised cures someone's eyesight in a developing country. As part of my Olympic land style Triathlon, I started with a 40km exercise bike ride of which took me 2 hours and 15 minutes, I then did a 2km swim in the Pool taking me 45 minutes and then I finished off with a 10km walk on the Tread mill. This was all done on the day at Alliance Stadium at Moore Park. To donate to my fundraising page please go to: www.fredsbigrun.org/fundraisers/jamespittar/freds-big-run-2026 Thank you for supporting me and giving the gift of sight back to people overseas
Read More2026 Fred's Big run in the month of August
I am fundraising for The Fred Hollows Foundation for the month of August 2026 by being involved in Fred's Big run where I will be doing 150 kms of exercise and attempting to raise $5600. For every $25 Australian dollars raised you cure someone's eye sight in a developing country. If you would like to donate to my fundraising please visit: www.fredsbigrun.org/fundraisers/jamespittar/freds-big-run-2026
Read More
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, James has received numerous prestigious awards including induction into both the International and Australian Marathon Swimming Halls of Fame, a Guinness World Record, and various national honors.
Read More
The Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming
In 2006, James became the first Australian to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming - the English Channel, Manhattan Island Marathon, and Catalina Channel.
Read MoreEarly International Competitions (1990-1994)
James's journey began representing Australia in international disabled swimming championships across the Netherlands, Thailand, England, China, and Finland.
Read MoreSwimming for Charity: The Fred Hollows Foundation
James has raised significant funds and awareness for The Fred Hollows Foundation through charity swims from 2006 to 2014, combining his passion for swimming with meaningful charitable impact.
Read MoreRecord-Breaking Achievements Around the World
James has set numerous "first blind person" records across six continents, from swimming the Great Chesapeake Bay to completing a double Alcatraz crossing and pioneering swims in South America, Africa, and Asia.
Read More
What the Water Taught Me About Resilience
There is a moment in every long open water swim when the shore has disappeared. You can't see it behind you, and you can't see what lies ahead. For most swimmers, that moment is unsettling. For me, it's just Tuesday. What I've learned — through the English Channel, through Antarctica — is that resilience isn't what most people think it is.
Read More