1926day.year
Gertrude Ederle becomes the first woman to swim across the English Channel.
In 1926, Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim across the English Channel, completing the crossing in record-breaking time.
Conquering the English Channel is one of the world's toughest open-water swims.
Gertrude Ederle trained intensively in cold waters under coach Jabez Wolffe to prepare for the challenge.
On August 6, 1926, at age 20, she set off from Cape Gris-Nez in France and battled strong currents and chilling temperatures.
After 14 hours and 31 minutes in the water, she landed at Kingsdown, England, becoming the first woman to complete the crossing.
Her swim shattered existing speed records and broke gender barriers in athletics.
Ederle was hailed as an international hero, receiving ticker-tape parades in New York City and widespread media acclaim.
Her milestone achievement inspired generations of female athletes to pursue endurance sports.
1926
Gertrude Ederle
English Channel