Lorelei Schmidt Sets Sights on English Channel

Teen Swim Star Takes On Historic Challenge

Seventeen‑year‑old Lorelei Schmidt from Triangle will attempt one of the world’s toughest endurance swims on August 4. This daring crossing would add a new milestone to an already impressive open‑water career. Success would complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, a goal that keeps her focused amid rigorous training.

Schmidt’s love for open‑water swimming ignited during the COVID‑19 pandemic when pool closures forced her onto lakes and other natural venues. “You can go to the same place and do the same swim over and over and over again every single day, and no two are going to be the same,” she explained. The ever‑changing nature of these races kept her motivated to push the distance further with each event.

She describes the routine of relentless swimming: “I’m just swimming, swimming, swimming. Every thirty minutes, I stop, tread water, get something to eat, and then go back.” This disciplined approach has been the backbone of her progress from short sessions to marathon‑length events.

Road to Open‑Water Mastery

Among her recent achievements are the Catalina Channel crossing in California and the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan Island. These victories already place her among a growing elite of open‑water athletes. The upcoming English Channel effort would cement her status as a true Triple Crown contender.

Coach John McDonald, who works with the Marlins of Raleigh, praises her tenacity. “The weather can change so quickly, and it can get pretty ugly. It’s a big shipping channel. There’s a lot of traffic. There’s a lot of moving parts. I don’t have a shred of doubt that she won’t finish,” he said. The channel stretches 21 miles at its narrowest, but currents often extend the distance swimmers must cover.

“It’s rarely a straight swim because there’s currents to deal with. She could be in the water for 11 hours,” McDonald added, highlighting the physical demands and the unpredictable environment.

Support Crew and Strategy

Weather conditions will likely dictate Schmidt’s final start time and date, adding another layer of complexity to the attempt. On race days, she will rely on a kayaker positioned beside her and a larger support boat where family and her coach can monitor her progress. “On some swims, I’ll have a kayaker next to me and a boat. There’s always a bigger boat,” she noted, emphasizing the safety net that cushions the journey.

McDonald underscores her remarkable endurance and consistency: “It’s pretty remarkable (how well) her technique stays on form. She’s like a diesel engine that just doesn’t seem to want to stop.” This reliability has become a trademark of her training regimen and race execution.

Future Goals and Legacy

Schmidtr plans to pursue competitive college swimming, but her immediate focus remains on the Channel crossing. “Swimming from one country to another, it’s going to be a really cool thing. I need to have my passport on the boat,” she said with excitement. Her effort also coincides with the 100th anniversary of Gertrude Ederle’s historic first female Channel swim, linking her quest to a celebrated legacy.

Looking back, she reflects on the journey from a five‑and‑a‑half‑hour swim at age 14 to today’s ambitious undertaking. “If my 14‑year‑old self was looking at this after having a completed five‑and‑a‑half‑hour swim, she’d be like, ‘That was hard enough. What do you mean we’re longer?’” she said, smiling. The growth and confidence she’s gained fuel her determination to keep pushing the boundaries of open‑water swimming.