Women's Swimming History

Women have been instrumental in swimming history since its beginnings as a sport. Often they had to fight against discrimination and restrictive social mores to compete in their sport. Yet women achieved much and continue to excel in swimming.

  1. Swimming as Sport in Modern Times

    • Swimming as a sport has its origins in England. By 1837, swimming races were held in pools in London. In 1896, swimming became an Olympic sport, but only for men. In 1912, swimming became an Olympic sport for women, too.

    Early Achievements

    • Prior to 1912, many spectacular swimming feats were performed by women. In 1877, Eliza Bennett swam across the Hudson River in New York City. In 1880, Agnes Beckwith treaded water for 30 hours in a London whale tank.

    First Female Olympic Swimmers

    • The first Olympic swimming medals in 1912 to women went to Fanny Durack of Australia for the 100M freestyle race. Belle Moore, Jennie Fletcher, Annie Speirs and Irene Steer of Great Britain won the 4x100M relay.

    The 1920s and Beyond

    • In 1926, Gertrude Ederle swam the English Channel in 14 hours and 31 minutes. She beat the record, set by a man, by over two hours. Women continued to advance in swimming, becoming major stars like 100M US National Champion Esther Williams.

    Significance

    • Women's swimming did much to advance women's rights. Swimming necessitated the relaxation of restrictive clothing requirements. Many early women swimmers set overall world records and achieved feats of endurance that eclipsed their male counterparts, helping to further the argument for equality of the sexes.