Florence Chadwick
Swimmer and English Channel pioneer
Born
November 9th, 1918
106 years ago
Died
1995
30 years ago — 77 years old
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
An American swimmer achieved fame for becoming the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions. In 1950, completed the east-to-west swim, setting a record time that stood for many years. In 1951, made history again by being the first woman to swim from the California coast to Catalina Island, a distance of 21 miles. Her successful swims showcased exceptional endurance and determination, contributing to the sport of long-distance swimming.
First woman to swim the English Channel both ways
First woman to swim from the California coast to Catalina Island
Other People Born on November 9th
Marina Warner
An English author and academic, contributions span fiction and non-fiction, exploring themes of mythology, feminism, and cultural narratives. Works include 'Once Upon a Time: A Short History of Fairy Tale' and 'The Lost Father.' Significant teaching roles at universities such as Birkbeck, University of London and involvement in various literary and cultural organizations marked the academic career. Writing reflects a deep engagement with historical and contemporary issues, often analyzing stories and identities.
Continue ReadingAlbert Francis Blakeslee
Significant contributions to the understanding of plant genetics within the field of botany occurred. Research on the role of chromosomes in heredity advanced knowledge in plant biology. Developed techniques for studying plant hybrids and their genetic variations. Published numerous articles and papers that articulated findings and methodologies, influencing future studies in genetics and botany.
Continue ReadingFlorence R. Sabin
Contributions to medical science included research in tuberculosis and the lymphatic system. Served as a faculty member at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and later became the first woman to hold a full professorship there. Actively engaged in public health efforts, focusing on improving healthcare for women and children. Retired from Johns Hopkins and continued to influence the field through various organizations.
Continue ReadingSandra Denton
Born in Jamaica and raised in New York, a rapper and actress gained prominence in the music industry as part of the hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa. The group achieved significant success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, producing hit songs that contributed to the mainstream acceptance of female rappers. The group released several albums, with notable works including 'Hot, Cool & Vicious' and 'Very Necessary'. In addition to music, ventured into acting with appearances in various television shows and films.
Continue ReadingMae Marsh
An American actress became prominent during the silent film era. She started her career in her teens and worked extensively with renowned director D.W. Griffith. Major roles included performances in films such as 'The Birth of a Nation' and 'Intolerance.' Marsh's contributions helped shape early cinema, demonstrating the potential of narrative storytelling through film. Later in her career, she transitioned to talkies and starred in several films, continuing to work in the industry for decades. She remained active until her retirement in the 1940s, leaving a legacy as one of the early stars of American film.
Continue ReadingIvan Turgenev
A prominent Russian author and playwright, contributions to literature included novels, short stories, and plays. Major works encompassed 'Fathers and Sons', 'A Month in the Country', and 'A Month in the Country'. Turgenev's writing frequently examined themes of social change, class struggle, and human emotion. Active during the 19th century, his influence extended across literary circles in Europe, fostering dialogue between Russian literature and Western thought. His works introduced the character of the superfluous man, providing critical insights into the Russian intelligentsia. Turgenev was also noted for his personal relationships with contemporary writers, including Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky, often navigating complex dynamics in the literary community.
Continue Reading