-- Trudy Ederle Foundation · Centennial 2026 · Press Release · Issued July 7, 2026
At a glance
Handover — Jun 5, 2026 · Mary Ederle Ward → ISHOF
The crossing — Aug 6, 1926 · first woman across the Channel
Swim time — 14 hr 34 · ≈ 2 hrs under the men's record
Centennial — Aug 6, 2026 · 100th anniversary
Photo: Bruce Wigo and Mary Ward, née Ederle, at the handover of the Ederle family's century-old treasure (5 June 2026). — Photo courtesy of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
GLEN ROCK, N.J., June 5, 2026 — The family of Gertrude "Trudy" Ederle has donated her original scrapbook — a black leather-bound album of more than 300 pages holding over 1,500 historical clippings — to the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF).
On June 5, 2026, Mary Ederle Ward officially presented the original scrapbook of Gertrude "Trudy" Ederle to the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF).
Bruce Wigo, ISHOF Historian and the institution's longtime President and CEO (2005-2017), received the historic album in person, together with his wife Janet. The couple traveled from Florida especially for the occasion, to witness and support this important heritage moment.
The large-format album, bound in black leather, bears a gold-embossed inscription: "Gertrude 'Trudy' Ederle — World's Champion Swimmer — Conqueror of the English Channel — August 6, 1926." It holds original newspaper clippings and documents from the days when a 20-year-old New Yorker made history.
On August 6, 1926, Trudy Ederle became the first woman to swim the English Channel. Her time: 14 hours and 34 minutes — roughly two hours faster than the men's record of the day.
For nearly a century, the Ederle family kept this album in private hands. Now it finds its home at the world's leading institution for preserving and honoring the heritage of swimming.
"This scrapbook is much more than a family album," said Bruce Wigo, ISHOF Historian. "It is a direct witness to a moment that changed swimming, women's sport, and the world's understanding of female athletic achievement forever. To preserve this document at ISHOF and make it accessible to the public is a meaningful moment for the entire swimming community."
"The family entrusting this treasure to ISHOF is more than a gift," said Tobias Kolesnyk, Director Strategic Communication of the Trudy Ederle Foundation. "It is a promise to the future: Trudy's story belongs to the world. Together with ISHOF, we can help ensure that this story is not only remembered, but understood anew — as heritage, as inspiration, and as a call to action."
The Trudy Ederle Foundation thanks Mary Ederle Ward and the Ederle family for their trust. Together, ISHOF and TEF thank Bruce and Janet Wigo for their personal commitment and their role in this important heritage moment.
Further details about a future public presentation of the scrapbook, and accompanying activities around the Centennial on August 6, 2026, will be announced at a later date.
About the International Swimming Hall of Fame
The International Swimming Hall of Fame preserves and honors the history of international swimming and celebrates outstanding athletes, coaches, contributors, institutions, and personalities who have shaped the sport around the world.
About the Trudy Ederle Foundation
The Trudy Ederle Foundation preserves the legacy of Gertrude "Trudy" Ederle — heritage as a mission, not a retrospective. Through its guiding mission, the "Second Channel," it supports athletes in their transition from competitive sport to the life that follows. In 2026, the Foundation marks the 100th anniversary of Trudy's Channel crossing of August 6, 1926.
Media Contacts
International Swimming Hall of Fame — Meg Keller-Marvin — [email protected] — +1 570 594 4367
Trudy Ederle Foundation — Tobias Kolesnyk — [email protected]
Contact Info:
Name: Tobias Kolesnyk
Email: Send Email
Organization: Trudy Ederle Foundation
Website: https://trudyederlefoundation.org
Release ID: 89196644
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