English Channel Swimmer Realizes Another Dream

Farmington Hills resident Jenny Birmelin, the first and only Michigan woman to , will fulfill a life-long dream of throwing-out the ceremonial first pitch at a Detroit Tigers home game, Sunday, May 6 against the Chicago White Sox. 

“This is truly an honor. I can’t wait," said Birmelin, 34. "My dad and I would go to Tigers’ games when I was a kid. I always took my glove and scored the game in my program. I still have a ball signed by the 1987 team.” 

Birmelin set the record as the fastest American to swim English Channel in 2011. She swam the equivalent of 28 land miles in a time of 11 hours, 21 minutes. , she battled 58-degree salt water wearing only a bathing suit, goggles and regular swim cap and shared the waterway with jellyfish and large cargo ships. 

A teacher at Orchard Lake Middle School in West Bloomfield, Birmelin has set her sights on a new goal.

“I live by the motto to ‘always be in pursuit’ of your goals," Birmelin said.
After receiving a few requests, I’ve launched an ‘In Pursuit’ Seminar to share my story and, more importantly, motivate and inspire student, athletic, community and corporate groups to always be in pursuit of your dreams, no matter your age." 

To learn more, visit JennyBirmelin.com.