An ‘amazing feat’: how was 13-year-old Austin Appelbee able to swim for four hours to save his family?

Saltwater, survival backstroke and sheer mind over matter may have helped the teenager save his family, experts say Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast An Australian 13-year-old who swam 4km (2.49 miles) to shore and then ran 2km (1.24 miles) to get help for his stranded family has been described as “superhuman”. Experts say Austin Appelbee’s feat of endurance exceeded the limits of what is normally perceived as possible. So how was the teenager able to save the day, and is there any precedent for it?