In the Wake of Mercedes Gleitze Open Water Swimming Pioneer

In 1927, Mercedes Gleitze became the first British woman to swim the English Channel, transforming her from a humble working-class typist into one of the most iconic sportswomen of her age. Fiercely independent and with no financial backing, Mercedes was at the forefront in the struggle to break through the existing prejudices against women taking part in sport. Over a ten-year period and a large number of pioneering, record-setting swims around the world, she achieved celebrity status, helped make Rolex famous, and was regularly in the spotlight of the worldwide press. While pursuing her dream she led by example, showing that women deserved recognition for their sporting achievements - though she herself was very modest about her success, barely talking about it even to her own children. Here, Mercedes' daughter documents the remarkable story of her early life and subsequent swimming career, using Mercedes' personal records and pictures, recollections from acquaintances and newspaper articles of the time.

ISBN:	9780750989770
Publisher:	The History Press
Imprint:	The History Press
Published date:	01 Feb 2019
DEWEY:	797.21092
DEWEY edition:	23
Language:	English
Number of pages:	288 , 32 unnumbered of plates
Weight:	514g
Height:	230mm
Width:	156mm
Spine width:	18mm

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