Arena Joondalup hosts Guinness World Record attempt

PARALYMPIC gold medallist Joshua Hofer ‘The Hoff’ visited Arena Joondalup on 9 July as part of his challenge to set a Guinness World Record by swimming 400m freestyle at 30 metro centres in three months.

So far, Mr Hofer has completed swims at 20 centres across Perth and is aiming to raise funds for Telethon as part of his mission.

Mr Hofer won his first gold medals at the age of 17 at the 1991 Special Olympics World Games in Minneapolis.

In 1992, he competed at the Paralympic Games for persons with mental handicap in Madrid, where he won five gold, four silver, and two bronze medals. The following year he was awarded the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to sport.

Owned and operated by VenuesWest, Arena Joondalup welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors in 2024-25.

VenuesWest CEO Janis Carren said it was an honour to host Mr Hofer at Arena Joondalup, one of Western Australia's busiest and most important sport and recreation hubs.

“We’re delighted to have hosted Josh at the recently upgraded Arena Joondalup pool as part of his incredible challenge, and we look forward to also welcoming him to Perth HPC in the near future,” Ms Carren said.

“We are cheering him on every step of the way and can’t wait to see him achieve that world record.”

Mr Hofer’s swim was also cheered on by Member for Joondalup, Emily Hamilton MLA.

“It was a treat for everyone to watch him power through the laps with great determination and skill,” said Ms Hamilton.

“Arena Joondalup is a much-loved community facility, and it was an honour to support Mr Hofer in his newest world record attempt.

“Our Cook Labor Government has invested millions of dollars across Arena Joondalup to ensure it remains a top-rate sporting and community facility. Most recently, this included the new $13 million 50-metre 10-lane pool.”

The major upgrade at Arena Joondalup delivered a state-of-the-art aquatic facility designed to meet growing demand across Perth's north, supporting everyone from learn-to-swim programs and families through to elite competition.

Accessibility and safety were key priorities in the design, with new ramp and stair access into the pool, upgraded change rooms, and universal access toilets within the aquatic hall.

Mr Hofer’s world record challenge began at Swan Active centres in Midland, Ballajura and Beechboro in late May.

His current record attempt is set to be completed at the end of September.