“Young Woman and the Sea” is a biographical film about Gertrude Ederle, the trailblazing woman who became the first to swim across the English Channel. The movie showcases her journey, struggles, and victories as a key figure in the swimming world. It depicts Ederle’s unwavering determination, bravery, and persistence in achieving a historic milestone despite facing many obstacles. The film underscores her groundbreaking accomplishment and its impact on sports and gender equality.
As a mother of a young swimmer, I found Young Woman and the Sea starring Daisy Ridley and directed by Joachim Rønning to be captivating. Watching the film reminded me of my daughter’s own swimming journey, from learning to swim at a young age to becoming a standout on her high school team. Prior to the movie, I had never heard of Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle, the remarkable woman who made history in 1926 by swimming across the English Channel. Her story as a pioneering figure in the sport of swimming and gender equality was truly inspiring.
Ederle faced numerous challenges, including being told she couldn’t swim due to health issues and societal expectations. Despite these obstacles, with the support of her family, she successfully broke the record for the fastest swim across the English Channel, surpassing previous male record holders. The film highlighted Trudy’s tenacity, courage, and determination in pursuing her passion for swimming and overcoming the odds. Trudy was given the name of Queen of the Waves and lived until she was 98.
Disney invited my daughter and I to attend a special event to watch “Young Woman and the Sea,” and we were both moved by the powerful message of the film. Trudy’s story of perseverance as an underdog who defied the odds left a lasting impact on us.
Through the film, I learned five facts about Trudy and her journey:
- Trudy had measles when she was very young, which left her with hearing damage. She became deaf after swimming the English Channel but taught swimming to deaf children in NYC, sharing her love for the sport despite her challenges.
- Trudy’s mother, Gertrude Caroline Ederle, made sure her daughters learned how to swim after reading about a ship that tragically sank due to a fire. Trudy was curious as to why the people didn’t simply jump into the water to escape, to which her mother explained that they didn’t know how to swim. The PS General Slocum incident in 1904, where 957 people (maily women and children) lost their lives, inspired Gertrude to prioritize swimming lessons for her children.
- The restrictive and uncomfortable swim fashion for women at the time was a significant barrier for female swimmers, but Trudy challenged conventions by wearing a more controversial two-piece swimsuit. Also, to combat chafing, she aslathered herself in animal fat which also acts like an extra layer of protection from the cold temperatures.
- After her return from Europe, Trudy was met with an enthusiastic reception and embraced as a national hero, being celebrated with a grand parade in New York City, the grandest celebration the city has ever seen.
- Trudy not only became the first woman to swim across the English Channel but also broke the record for the fastest time, beating the previous record by nearly two hours.
I strongly encourage watching this uplifting movie! I adore discovering stories of women who have made a significant impact on history, particularly those who may not be well-known. The film is absolutely stunning, and I admire the bond between the girls and their mother. It resonated with me and reminded me of my relationship with my own daughter, reinforcing my belief that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. “Young Woman and the Sea” is by far my favorite movie of the year! Daisy Ridley’s performance in this role is truly exceptional, as she effortlessly rose to the challenge.
