Profession: Swimmer
Biography: Florence Chadwick was an American long-distance swimmer renowned for her groundbreaking achievements in the 1950s. She gained international fame in 1950 when she became the first woman to swim across the English Channel in both directions.
Chadwick's set numerous long-distance swimming records over the course of her career, breaking Gertrude Ederle's record for the France–England leg and setting the women's record for the England–France leg.
She was also the first woman to swim the Dardanelles in a round trip, the Bosporus one way, the Catalina Channel, and the Straits of Gibraltar.
Born: May 19, 1918
Birthplace: San Diego, California, USA
Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Taurus
Historical Events
- 1950-08-08 Florence Chadwick swims the English Channel in a record time of 13 hours and 23 minutes
- 1951-09-11 Florence Chadwick becomes 1st woman to swim English Channel from England to France. It takes 16 hours & 19 minutes.
Biographies and Sources
- Florence Chadwick 1953-1964 - Queen of the Channel
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