HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Aug. 6, 2024) – While one ultra-marathon swimmer from the Lakeshore’s quest is ongoing, another has put a fresh leaf on his laurels.
The Holland Aquatic Center announced on Tuesday that Dr. Brian Huffman completed a two-day swim across the Catalina Channel near Los Angeles. He became the 334th person overall, and the first Michigander, to complete what is considered the “Triple Crown” of open water swimming – crossing the English Channel, swimming the 20 Bridges around Manhattan Island in New York City, and spanning the space between LA and Catalina Island. Huffman’s efforts are aimed at raising money for needy youngsters to receive swimming lessons at the Holland Aquatic Center.
Meanwhile, Grand Haven-based Jim Dreyer set off on Tuesday from his hometown to swim solo across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee. “The Shark” had twice attempted this effort eastbound last year but was thwarted by weather conditions, and this latest swim was changed to a westbound excursion over this past weekend, again due to weather conditions. Dreyer, who is raising funds for the US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association, hopes to make what could be a 90-mile swim in a three-day span.
A link to tracking Dreyer’s effort is here.
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