Gertrude Ederle's English Channel swim centennial

The centennial anniversary of Gertrude Ederle’s historic English Channel swim is being commemorated. In 1926, the 19-year-old swimmer became the first woman to successfully complete the crossing, traveling from Cape Gris-Nez, France, to Kingsdown, Kent, England.

Despite facing rough seas that forced her to swim approximately 35 miles instead of the direct 21-mile route, Ederle set a new world record for the fastest channel swim, surpassing the previous record held by Enrique Tiraboschi. Her achievement was celebrated in New York City with a ticker-tape parade attended by an estimated two million people.

A local event in Highlands, New Jersey, will mark the anniversary at Popamora Point on the Henry Hudson Trail, featuring discussions and an optional swim with local athletes who have also completed the feat.