Question

The first woman to swim the English Channel was:
1. an Indian
2. a French
3. a British
4. an American

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : an American

The correct answer is an American.

• Gertrude Ederle of the United States at the young age of 19 years, became the first woman to swim across the English channel.
• She swam 21 miles in her second attempt from Dover, England.

• Arati Saha was the first Indian swimmer to cross the  English Channel in 1959.
• In 1960, she became the first Indian sportswoman to be awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour in India.
• She was inspired by the ace Indian swimmer Mihir Sen.
• Mihir Sen was the first Asian to swim across the English Channel.
• English channel connects the North Sea to the Strait of Dover.
• Mihir sen is also the first swimmer to swim across Palk strait.