1875day.year
Captain Matthew Webb becomes the first person to swim across the English Channel, traveling from Dover, England, to Calais, France, in 21 hours and 45 minutes.
Captain Matthew Webb becomes the first person to swim the English Channel, completing the feat in under 22 hours.
On August 25, 1875, Captain Matthew Webb stepped into the chilly waters of the English Channel at Dover, determined to swim to Calais. After battling strong currents, cold temperatures, and fatigue, Webb emerged victoriously 21 hours and 45 minutes later, becoming the first recorded person to swim the channel unaided. His historic achievement captured international headlines and inspired future generations of long-distance swimmers. Webb’s endurance and pioneering spirit earned him fame and invitations to tour exhibitions across Europe and America. Although he later died attempting to swim the Niagara Gorge, his Channel crossing cemented his legacy in sports history. This milestone remains a celebrated moment in endurance athletics.
1875
Matthew Webb