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Jimmy Graham's rowing team goes the distance, sets new Arctic Ocean speed record

Jimmy Graham's rowing team goes the distance, sets new Arctic Ocean speed record

USA Today3 days ago
They've done it! Jimmy Graham's four-person rowing team set a world record by rowing more than 584 nautical miles across the Arctic Ocean. The former New Orleans Saints tight end fought through the wind and rain along with Andrew Tropp, Hannah Huppi and John Huppi to become the first all-American team to make this voyage on "the Arctic Challenge." They set off on July 4 from Tromsø and reached Longyearbyen on July 14, ultimately spending 10 days on the Norwegian seas.
And their efforts shattered the record set in 2023 by Ocean Revival, whose four-person team made the trip in a little over 15 days. Graham's team partnered with the Million Meters Club to raise funds from supporters to benefit the Covenant House New Orleans and Laureus Sport for Good New Orleans, two youth charities based out of Louisiana. Supporters interested in donating can find more information here.
It's an impressive feat. Graham's team spent a year and a half preparing for this challenge and overcame inclement weather with a disciplined approach, rowing in two-hour shifts with brief opportunities to rest on the choppy polar ocean. As for what's next? Graham has talked before about sailing around the world or getting more mileage out of his piloting license, but we're guessing he'll enjoy some time on dry land before planning his next adventure.
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