Senator Golden Honors Brooklyn Native And Pioneering Sports Heroine Gertrude Caroline Ederle

Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), today in conjunction with the celebration of Women’s History Month, named Brooklyn native Gertrude Caroline Ederle an Historic New York Woman of Distinction.

"Gertrude Caroline Ederle helped pave the way for greater equality and became an inspiration for young women across our nation. I am proud to honor Mrs. Ederle’s memory and in doing so, keeping her legacy alive throughout New York State, so that other young women can charter a similar course and lead a life of great accomplishment as well," said Senator Golden.

Senator Golden’s inductee, Gertrude Caroline Ederle, became the first woman to swim the English Channel at age 19. Battling bad weather, Mrs. Ederle swam the 21-mile distance in 14 hours and 31 minutes and shattered the previous world record by more than two hours, which was held by a man. A true pioneer, Mrs. Ederle held an impressive 29 national and world records thoroughout her career. She also represented the United States in the 1924 Olympics where she earned both gold and bronze medals.

From March 6th through the 17th, profiles of this year’s New York State Women of Distinction will be exhibitied in Albany. The 2006 exhibit will highlight the accomplishments of Gertrude Caroline Ederle, as well as jazz great Ella Fitzgerald, nurse Anna Caroline Maxwell and labor organizer Lenora "Mother Lake" Barry. Some of the women who have been honored in the past include Susan B. Anthony, Lucille Ball, "Grandma Moses" Robertson, Harriet Tubman, and Emma Willard.

"While, the vital contributions of women in our society should be acknowledged each and every day, Women’s History Month gives us the opportunity to reflect on and honor some of our country’s greatest, groundbreaking female leaders," said Senator Golden.

Later this month, Senator Golden will honor many modern-day Women of Distinction during two events in Brooklyn on March 16th and the 23rd.