08/06/2026
On August 6, 1926, Gertrude Ederle entered the water at Cape Gris-Nez, France, at 7:08 a.m. for her second attempt to swim the English Channel.
After battling strong currents and rough conditions for 14 hours and 31 minutes, Ederle reached the English coast becoming the sixth person—and the first woman—to successfully swim the English Channel. In doing so, she shattered the previous record by nearly two hours, proving that determination and perseverance could overcome even the greatest challenges.
Reflecting on her historic achievement, Ederle simply said, "I knew it could be done, It had to be done, and I did it". Her incredible feat was celebrated around the world and culminated in a legendary ticker-tape parade through the streets of New York City.
The following summer, in 1927, Gertrude Ederle's accomplishment inspired four young women to attempt a swim across the Great South Bay, beginning the long-standing summer tradition of Cross Bay swimming that continues today. Every swimmer who enters the water shares a direct connection to those pioneers—and to Gertrude Ederle, whose courage helped make it all possible.
Ederle remained an inspiration throughout her life. In 1953, she attended the Cross Bay Swim to cheer participants on as they finished, encouraging a new generation of swimmers. She passed away in 2003 at the age of 98, but her remarkable legacy continues to inspire athletes and dreamers alike.
As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of her historic English Channel crossing, we remember not only an extraordinary swimmer but also a trailblazer whose determination changed history.
If you'd like to learn more about Gertrude Ederle's incredible journey, consider reading The Great Swim by Gavin Mortimer.
