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Birthday
She was born right near Halloween, in New York City. -
Passion
When Gertrude was young she started swimming at a public pool. She continued to learn to swim at the beach when her family would go away during the summer. -
Setting Records
After Ederle dropped out of school to continue training, she began competing. She set many records starting at age 16 and held 29 records from 1921 to 1925. -
Olympics
In the 1924 Olympics Ederle competed in many events. She left with one gold and two bronze medals. This let to her become a pro in 1925 -
The English Channel Part 1
After extensive training, Ederle attempted to swim across the English Channel. After many hours, when Gertrude was taking a short break, her trainer thought she was drowning. To Ederle's dissapointment, they lifted her from the water to the boat. -
English Channel Part 2
Because of her failed attempt a year earlier, Gertrude was more determined than ever to swim across the English Channel. At just 20 years old Ederle made it through the particularly choppy waters. -
Breaking Records
With only five other men completing the swim, Gertrude was the first woman ever to complete the swim. Not only that but she beat the male record by 2 hours. With the extra rough conditions Ederle swam 35 miles instead of the original 21 miles, and still finished in just 14 hours and 31 minutes. -
Hall of Fame
In 1965, Gertrude Ederle was added to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, making her a part of today's life even though she is dead. -
Death
Gertrude died in a retirement home in New Jersey when she was 98! I guess her fitness helped her to live a long time.
