Gertrude Ederle - Athlete, Swimmer
Devorah Ozburn
Biography
Born in New York, and raised in a some what large family. Gertrude showed her love for swimming at a very young age. This may have to do with the fact that her family lived on the Jersey Shore during most summers. When Gertrude was partly through high school, she dropped out to pursue her career in swimming. This shows how much she truly loved swimming, because she risked her education for swim. Growing up she was not much of a trouble maker, and she was not one to try to start anything that was not beneficial to herself or others. Some of her many great achievements included winning multiple Olympic medals in the 20's. As a competitor she was able to travel much of the world still as a teen. Gertrude was a competitive swimmer, until she had a major back injury and it caused her to never be able to swim again. Gertrude began to teach swimming to deaf children. Gertrude later died at the age of 98 in her home town.
Event Information
Gertrude Ederle Crosses the English Channel
Gertrude Ederle has returned from being disqualified last year to finish what she has started. Gertrude arrives at the first end of this 21 mile wide body of water. After 14 hours and 31 minutes pass, Gertrude finally makes it to the other side at a shore in Kingstown.
When?
Friday, Aug 6, 1926, 07:00 AM
Where?
Cap Gris-Nez, Audinghen, France
this is a picture of Gertrude practicing for her competition
This is Gertrude Ederle as a child.
This is a picture of Gertrude at the parade for her crossing the English Channel.
Impact
Gertrude Ederle helped with double standards between men and women. She set many records for people to live up to and try to beat. Gertrude will forever be remembered for the records she broke and the many accomplishments that she achieved at a young age.
Gertrude Ederle swims the English Channel 1926
video question
Can you briefly summarize what was happening in the video? Why were there so many people and who were they there for?