Greta Andersen

France-England 1958 Greta Anderson. U.S.A. at South Foreland. Black and White photograph. Greta Anderson was an Olmpic gold medal winner in the 100 metre’s. in 1948, an Olmypic silver medalist in the 400mts. relay. In 1948 she also held the World record for women,swimming 10.5 miles in 4hrs. 25mins. 30secs. She was the winner of the world professional Championship at Atlantic City, in 1956 the distance was 25miles, in a time of 10 hrs. 17mins. Greta is holder of 40 trophies. and 150 gold and silver medals. Greta Anderson swam from France -England in 1957 in 13hrs. 55mins. Completed her record breakiing swim in 1958, time 11 hours 01 min. and again in 1959 with a time of 15hrs. 25mins. In 1964 she swam from England to France in a time of 13hrs. 40mins. and again in 1965 with a time of 13hrs.49mins. Greta Anderson’s made five successful swims. 1957, time 13hrs 53mins, 1958,time 11hrs 01mins, were both Butlin swims, both won by her outright, The 1959 Butlin swim she was the first lady home. time 15hrs 25mins. She swam England to France in 1964 in a new record time of 13hrs.14mins. this was a two way attempt she swam for 9hrs 20mins on the return. in 1965 she swam from England to France in 13hrs.49mins. Greta also had 3 unsuccessful swims. She won gold and silver medals in the 1948 London Olympics. In 1958 she was the first person to swim the Santa Catalina Channel in both directions, (42.8miles) time 28hrs 28mins. She set world records in the 10, 25, and 50 miles. From the Sam Rockett collection