Gertrude Ederle — American Athlete born on October 23, 1905, died on November 30, 2003

Gertrude Caroline Ederle was an American competition swimmer, Olympic champion, and former world record-holder in five events. In 1926, she became the first woman to swim across the English Channel. Among other nicknames, the press sometimes called her "Queen of the Waves.".. (wikipedia)

I was happiest between the waves.
The doctors told me my hearing would get worse if I continued swimming, but I loved the water so much, I just couldn't stop.
To me, the sea is like a person - like a child that I've known a long time. It sounds crazy, I know, but when I swim in the sea, I talk to it. I never feel alone when I'm out there.
Don't weep for me; don't write any sob stories.
God has been good to me.