News Summary
A group of 11 teenagers from the Grand Rapids Triathlon Club achieved a remarkable milestone by swimming all five Great Lakes within a single day. This challenging endeavor began at Lake Erie and concluded at Lake Superior, showcasing their determination and teamwork. The team, consisting of high school and college athletes, emphasized safety as they navigated each lake, encountering unique conditions and experiences. This event has not only set a new precedent within the community but also inspires future generations to tackle their own challenges.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – On July 24, 2024, a group of 11 teenagers made history by swimming all five Great Lakes within a single day, showcasing their athleticism and determination. The event marked a significant accomplishment not only for the participants from the Grand Rapids Triathlon Club but also for the local community and swimming enthusiasts.
The ambitious swim began at 4:46 a.m. on the Canadian shore of Lake Erie, where the athletes waded into the water before diving in. This unique challenge involved a carefully coordinated plan to ensure the team reached Lake Superior by sunset, fitting all five Great Lakes into a 24-hour timeline. In addition to the thrill of swimming, the event also placed a strong emphasis on safety, with glow sticks, whistles attached to swim buoys, and a lantern left on shore for navigation during the Lake Erie portion of the swim.
The swimmers consisted of high school and college-age athletes from the Grand Rapids area. Eager to take part in this remarkable challenge, the participants had been inspired by outcomes from previous years; coach Anne Petruzzi completed the same swim challenge the year before and drew motivation from fellow swimmer Don Kern, who has been an integral part of organizing the event for several years. The planning also included driving from Grand Rapids to a campground on Lake Erie to facilitate an early start.
The swim through Lake Erie was rated with a score of 8.9 by one of the participants, 17-year-old Nolan Williamson, who mentioned that the seaweed detracted from his overall enjoyment, humorously comparing his experience to a scene from Harry Potter involving water monsters. Following Lake Erie, the team moved on to Lake Ontario, which received mixed reviews, with descriptions of the water being “pulpy” but was appreciated for its views of the Hamilton skyline. The water temperatures for both Lake Erie and Ontario ranged from 75°F to 80°F, making for comfortable swimming conditions.
Next, the team swam in Lake Huron, where the stunning water clarity was a highlight, with visible freighters passing by as they swam. Coach Petruzzi had warned the group to swim against the current while returning from this leg of the swim, a caution that proved effective. Following their swim in Lake Huron, the team drove to Wilderness State Park for their next swim in Lake Michigan at sunset, enhancing the picturesque nature of the event.
After completing the swim in Lake Michigan, the team crossed the iconic Mackinac Bridge to reach their final destination, Lake Superior. They arrived just after 9 p.m., where fog surrounded them, creating an eerie yet exciting ambiance for the culminating swim. The first swimmer to take the plunge into the cold waters of Lake Superior was 17-year-old Anna Stolle, marking the end of their impressive journey.
After the final swim, the participants savored a well-deserved dinner and took the opportunity to rest before heading back home. Coach Petruzzi expressed her joy over the enthusiasm shown by high school-aged swimmers in pursuing such challenges, embodying a spirit of adventure and resilience. Prior similar achievements have shown that although swimming all five Great Lakes in a single day is not unheard of, it remains a rare and commendable feat for young athletes.
This event not only represents a thrilling achievement for the Grand Rapids Triathlon Club but also promotes a message of teamwork, dedication, and the pursuit of personal limits. The passion exhibited by these teenagers will undoubtedly encourage future generations to embark on their own challenges in the beautiful waters of the Great Lakes.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Michigan Teens Swim All the Great Lakes in One Day
- Wikipedia: Great Lakes
- Triathlete: Chicago Triathlon Course
- Google Search: Michigan Great Lakes
- Our Midland: Michigan Great Lakes Bay Summer Tourism
- Google Scholar: Great Lakes Swimming
- Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago Triathlon Event
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Triathlon
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
