SAINT PAUL, Minn. --- The Marathon Swimmers Federation (MSF) has named Karen Zemlin the recipient of the 2025 Yudovin Award for Most Adventurous Swim. This prestigious honor recognizes her historic 22.9km (14.2-mile) crossing of northern Lake Superior, a route stretching from Isle Royale, Michigan, to Pigeon Point, Minnesota. Zemlin completed the trek on August 13 in 6 hours and 12 minutes, marking the first documented marathon swim in this specific region of the lake.

While the distance itself was significant, the environmental conditions turned the swim into a legendary feat of endurance. The water temperature began at a manageable 64°F (17.8°C), but as Zemlin approached the finish, an intense upwelling caused the mercury to plummet to a bone-chilling 46°F (7.8°C). This finish represents the coldest water ever recorded in an MSF-documented swim, highlighting Zemlin's "quiet determination" in a battle against the elements.

The Yudovin Award, named in memory of David Yudovin, is distinct from typical "Solo Swim of the Year" categories. While other awards might prioritize raw speed or extreme distance, the Yudovin specifically celebrates unprecedented routes and unusual, challenging locations. Zemlin's crossing satisfied every criterion, proving that world-class adventure can be found in one's own regional backyard—provided you have the grit to handle the "wild beauty" of the world's largest lake.

In the wake of her achievement, Zemlin and her husband, Tom, have focused on opening the door for others. They recently launched superiorswims.org, a resource center providing vital information for prospective Lake Superior swimmers. By sharing her deep knowledge and support strategies, Zemlin hopes to see more athletes test themselves against the fleeting, "debatable swimmable water" of the Great Lakes.