Team 5 Foundation Congratulates The Arctic Challenge Team on Historic, Record-Breaking Arctic Row
The Team 5 Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to The Arctic Challenge team for their monumental achievement in rowing across the Arctic Ocean. The team, which included Team 5 Foundation Advisor Jimmy Graham, not only completed the perilous journey but also shattered an incredible four world records.
The four-person crew, comprised of Graham, Andrew Tropp, Hannah Huppi, and John Huppi, rowed approximately 584 nautical miles (over 1,000 kilometers) from Tromsø, Norway, to Longyearbyen, Svalbard. They completed the treacherous expedition in just over 10 days, from July 4th to July 14th, 2025, overcoming challenging weather conditions and the inherent dangers of the Arctic.
This remarkable feat of human endurance and teamwork resulted in the following world records:
Fastest 4-person team to row the Arctic Ocean, smashing the previous record of 15 days, 5 hours, and 32 minutes.
First mixed-gender team of four to row across the Arctic Ocean.
First all-American team to row across a polar ocean.
Jimmy Graham became the first black person to row a polar ocean, and Hannah Huppi became the first American woman to row a polar ocean.
Team 5 Foundation is immensely proud of its association with this historic expedition. In addition to Jimmy Graham's role on the team, Team 5 Foundation's own Eric Linder (Founder) and Bryan Vande Sande (Medical Director) served as the medical directors for The Arctic Challenge, providing crucial medical oversight and training for the team. Their expertise in expedition and remote medicine was instrumental in ensuring the health and safety of the rowers in one of the world's most extreme environments.
The Arctic Challenge was not only a test of physical and mental fortitude but also a mission with a purpose. The team undertook this challenge to raise $1 million for charitable causes, including Covenant House New Orleans and Laureus Sport for Good New Orleans, organizations dedicated to supporting at-risk youth.
Team 5 Foundation salutes The Arctic Challenge team for their courage, determination, and their commitment to making a positive impact. Their success is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and achieve the extraordinary.
