102-year-old walks US-Canada’s new bridge

In a remarkable feat, 102-year-old Rita Georgeff walked across the newly opened Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Windsor, Ontario with Detroit, Michigan. Georgeff, who had planned to walk the bridge on her 100th birthday, had to wait another two years due to construction delays. The bridge, which opened to traffic on July 27 and its pedestrian path on August 5, stretches about 1.5 miles and is the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America.

Georgeff, who has witnessed the Windsor-Detroit border change throughout her life, initially attended an anniversary celebration for the older Ambassador Bridge when she was just seven years old. She recalled the bridge being filled with "mounds and mounds and mounds of people" during the event. When Georgeff turned 102, her birthday wish finally came true as she walked across the new bridge on September 1.

The centenarian led her group of friends across the bridge, surprising them with her determination. Some pedestrians along the bridge even stopped to congratulate her, while others took selfies with the impressive centenarian. Georgeff described the bridge as "a feat of good engineering." Her friends had been eagerly waiting two years to see her complete the walk, and they were thrilled to be able to do it with her.

Asked about her birthday wish for her 103rd year, Georgeff simply stated, "That I reach my birthday, actually," with a laugh.