As Women’s History month is coming to an end, and honorable mention this month would be Gertrude Ederle. Gertrude Ederle was the first woman to finish swimming across the English Channel. Being born on October 23, 1905 from German immigrant parents, she learned to swim at a very young age when her family would take vacations in New Jersey. Before making history swimming in the English Channel, she had won two bronze medals for the 400 meter and 100 meter freestyle events in the 1924 Paris Olympics. She also held over 20 national and world swimming records.  

Gertrude Ederle actually tried to swim the English Channel once before, but was not able to finish because the people on the boat watching her thought she was drowning due to the intense waves. She was pulled onto the boat and disqualified. After her first attempt Gertrude and her sister actually made a two piece bathing suit and goggles for her next attempt in 1926. This is when Gertrude Ederle finished swimming the English Channel at 14 hours and 31 minutes beating all 5 men that had swam in previous years to her. 

Not only did she face gender equality struggles, but physical struggles as well. At the age of 5 she developed hearing problems after catching the measles which progressively got worse as her swimming career continued. These issues were exacerbated after she swam the English Channel. At one point she became almost completely deaf and decided to take a break from swimming. On top of her hearing loss, she slipped and fell on her back which resulted in an injury which also put her in a cast for four years. Doctors said she wouldn’t be able to swim or walk anymore, but she made a smooth recovery and even attended the Billy Rose’s Aquacade(a show dedicated to dancing, swimming, and singing) at New York Worlds fair in 1939. 

After Gertrude Ederle’s historic swim in the English Channel, she went on to teach deaf children at the Lexington School for the Deaf in New York City. On top of that she inspired so many women to become competitive in not only swimming, but a multitude of other sports. She supported the WSA foundation which advocated for more recognition and opportunities for women swimmers. They also fought to improve women’s swimming attire. Gertrude Ederle made a huge impact on the way women’s sports are looked at today, and although she passed away on November 30, 2003 her legacy continues to inspire so many more people today.