In 1926, Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim the English Channel, breaking the men’s record along the way.  The child of German immigrants from New York, Gertrude’s family had a summer home in Highlands where she trained by swimming against the tide in the Shrewsbury River.  Not only did Gertrude swim the channel, but she made notable adaptations to women’s swimwear and created waterproof goggles that allowed her to succeed.

Gertrude’s record was short-lived and she was unable to capitalize on her achievement unlike the athletes of today.  She remains a footnote in Highlands history and her name is on this sign in the park at the foot of the Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge.

You can find out more about Gertrude Ederle in America’s Girl: The Incredible Story of How Swimmer Gertrude Ederle Changed the Nation by Tim Dahlberg.