News Summary

Seth Baetzold from North St. Paul achieved an extraordinary feat by swimming across the English Channel to raise funds for the local Food Shelf. This journey, years in the making, exemplifies perseverance and community spirit, inspiring many to support local causes. After 11 hours of swimming, he emerged victorious and fulfilled his goal of raising awareness and donations for those in need.

North St. Paul Local Defies Odds in Epic English Channel Swim

Nestled in the heart of Minnesota, North St. Paul isn’t just known for its picturesque landscapes and tight-knit community; it’s now celebrated for one remarkable local hero! On July 29, 2025, Seth Baetzold, a determined 30-year-old, took a dive into history when he successfully completed an extraordinary swim across the iconic English Channel. This daring adventure spanned 21 miles, but it wasn’t just a personal challenge—Seth had a bigger mission in mind.

Endless Preparation for Epic Challenge

This incredible journey took five years of preparation, with countless hours dedicated to training and building endurance. With each swim, Seth’s goal morphed from simply wanting to conquer the Channel to raising much-needed awareness and funds for the North St. Paul Food Shelf.

From his humble beginnings at the Minnesota State High School Championships in 2013—where he even broke a long-standing butterfly record—Seth’s passion for swimming was ignited. He later continued to hone his skills on his college swim team at Iowa State, where true inspiration struck. A friend introduced him to the idea of the English Channel swim, and thus began a journey that would test both his physical and mental limits.

Weathering the Storms and Finding Strength

Seth’s path to the Channel was not without its hurdles. In 2022, a planned swim was thwarted by unforgiving weather conditions, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This setback granted Seth even more time to strengthen his technique and prepare his mind for the massive challenge ahead.

He followed an intense training schedule, swimming anywhere from two to four miles daily, four to six days a week. The focus was always on high intensity. Those long hours in the pool weren’t just about crossing an ocean; they were about connecting with a deeper purpose—helping those in need back home.

A Heartfelt Cause

Seth’s connection to the North St. Paul Food Shelf runs deep, having volunteered with them during his Boy Scout days. His swim became a vessel for raising funds and awareness for a cause close to his heart, aiming to collect much-needed donations while inspiring his community along the way. The organization has been in need of more food supplies, especially proteins and peanut butter, to better assist the local families relying on their support.

Victory and Impact

Fast forward to that life-changing day—after 11 hours and 23 minutes battling the cold waters of the Channel, Seth triumphantly emerged, overcome with emotion. The mixture of joy, relief, and elation was palpable as he completed a five-year dream; it wasn’t simply the swim itself, but the journey filled with preparation, dedication, and the hope of making a difference.

Kathi Kirchoff, the director of the North St. Paul Food Shelf, expressed sincere appreciation for Seth’s monumental efforts, lovingly referring to him as a “water angel.” His swim not only raised funds but inspired countless others within the community to contribute and support their neighbors in need.

Community Spirit Shines Bright

In a world where challenges can often feel overwhelming, Seth Baetzold’s story reminds us of the power of perseverance and charity. His swim across the English Channel is more than just a personal accomplishment—it’s a beacon of hope for the North St. Paul community. And if this incredible local hero can rise to such impressive challenges, just think of what others can achieve when they unite to support a worthy cause.

With the swim now a testament to hard work and spirit, the community can look forward to continuing their support for the North St. Paul Food Shelf as they encourage everyone to lend a helping hand, starting with their next trip to donate. It’s the simple acts of kindness that truly make a difference.

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