Gertrude Ederle

About

1924 swimming Olympian who became the first woman to conquer the English Channel two years later.

Before Fame

She learned swimming at public pool in New Jersey, where her family spent summers, and dedicated her life to the sport.

Trivia

After winning three gold medals with her Olympic team she began training for the 21-mile swimming trek between England and France, which only five others before her accomplished.

Family Life

She was born in New York City, one of five children of Henry and Anna Ederle, German immigrants who ran a butcher shop in Manhattan.

Associated With

David Walliams was another man to have made the swim across the English Channel.