Gertrude Ederle
1905–2003 (age 98)
swimmer
Biography
Gertrude Ederle was a trailblazing swimmer whose record-breaking feats brought a new level of recognition to women in sport. In 1926 she became the first woman to swim the English Channel, a feat celebrated around the world.
Even after retiring from competition, Ederle remained a symbol of determination and athletic grace, encouraging others to pursue excellence regardless of the boundaries they faced.