Florence Chadwick
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Florence May Chadwick (born November 9, 1918 – died March 15, 1995) was an American swimmer who was the first woman ever to cross the English Channel both ways. She also made contributions to various youth groups.
Born in San Diego Chadwick had her first swimming competition win at the age of ten, and later, at the age of eleven, competed in her first "challenging" competition, a rough water swim. She placed fourth in the event.
Chadwick's biggest contribution to swimming history occurred on August 8, 1950, when she crossed the English Channel in 13 hours and 20 minutes, breaking the then-current world record held by American swimmer Gertrude Ederle. One year later, Chadwick crossed the English Channel yet again, from England to France; this time, in 16 hours and 22 minutes, thus making her the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions.
In 1954, she attempted, but failed to become the first person to swim across Lake Ontario (her competitor in this endeavor, Canadian Marilyn Bell, succeeded the next day).
