Celebrating 150 Years of Endurance Swimming – Join the Legacy with UltraSwim 33.3
“Nothing great is easy,” declared Captain Matthew Webb – and 150 years later, his words still inspire a global community of open-water swimmers. This year marks a monumental anniversary: a century and a half since Webb’s historic first swim across the English Channel in 1875. It’s a milestone that resonates deeply with UltraSwim 33.3’s mission of pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in open-water swimming. As we honour Webb’s courage and endurance, we also look ahead to the upcoming 100-year anniversary of Gertrude Ederle’s landmark Channel crossing in 1926 – two trailblazers whose pioneering spirit lives on in every UltraSwim 33.3 event - one of the very few endurance challenges where there are more female entries than men (54% in 2025 by the way).
Captain Matthew Webb’s Daring Feat – 1875
An 1875 illustration captures the bold spirit of Captain Matthew Webb, whose Channel swim showed the world that “impossible” was just a challenge waiting to be conquered.
On August 25, 1875, Captain Matthew Webb stunned the world by becoming the first person ever to swim across the English Channel . Webb’s 21-hour 45-minute marathon from Dover to the French coast was a triumph of courage and endurance. He fought through cold, turbulent seas and strong tides – in fact, though the Channel is just under 21 miles wide (33.3km to be precise!), Webb’s winding route in shifting currents stretched nearly 39 miles . Through the overnight darkness he kept a steady breaststroke, sustained by occasional sips of brandy, coffee, and beef broth passed to him from a support boat. Jellyfish stings, churning waves, and fatigue could not break his resolve. When Webb finally waded ashore in France, he proved that the “impossible” swim could be done – and became an instant hero to swimmers everywhere. The Daily Telegraph proclaimed him “the best-known and most popular man in the world”, and his feat launched the era of endurance swimming as a celebrated sport. Captain Webb’s legacy – summed up in his personal motto “Nothing great is easy” – continues to ignite the passion of open-water swimmers a century and a half later. UltraSwim 33.3 proudly carries forward that flame of adventure that Webb first lit in 1875, inviting today’s swimmers to channel his grit and determination in their own quests.
Gertrude Ederle Shatters Barriers – 1926
Primitive but effective: goggles sealed with wax, like those used in the 1920s, were part of the equipment that helped one determined swimmer make history across the Channel.
Half a century after Webb’s swim, Gertrude Ederle took the open-water legacy to new heights. On August 6, 1926, the 20-year-old American Olympian became the first woman ever to swim across the English Channel – and she did it in record-shattering fashion. Diving into choppy waters at Cap Gris-Nez in France, Ederle fought through wind and waves toward England with powerful freestyle strokes, defying all doubts about women’s capabilities. Fourteen hours and 34 minutes later, she came ashore on the English coast, exhausted and victorious . Ederle not only conquered the Channel – she beat the fastest existing time (set by a man) by nearly two hours. In an era when many still believed long-distance swimming was “too much” for women, Ederle proved them wrong in spectacular style. The press crowned her “Queen of the Waves,” and a ticker-tape parade in New York City celebrated her achievement. As we approach 2026, UltraSwim 33.3 proudly anticipates the 100-year anniversary of Ederle’s historic swim – a reminder that her groundbreaking courage opened the door for generations of swimmers to follow. Ederle’s feat was more than a world record; it was a bold statement that endurance swimming belongs to everyone. That inclusive, pioneering spirit is at the heart of UltraSwim 33.3’s ethos. Just as Ederle turned the tide for women in the sport, we believe every swimmer who dreams of epic challenges should have the chance to write their own page in history.
Continuing the Legacy with UltraSwim 33.3
The daring swims of Webb and Ederle may be decades in the past, but their legacy lives on every day in the waters of UltraSwim 33.3 events. UltraSwim 33.3 was created to empower modern endurance swimmers to experience the same epic achievement as a Channel crossing – in an accessible, fully-supported, and truly inspirational format. Each UltraSwim 33.3 event offers you the opportunity to complete the iconic 33.3 km English Channel distance, not in one gruelling nonstop ordeal, but spread over a long weekend of multiple swims. Across 4 days and 5–7 swim segments, participants collectively conquer 33.3 kilometres – the magic number that Captain Webb etched into history – while enjoying world-class safety support and camaraderie in stunning locations. From the sun-drenched coasts of Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece to other breathtaking venues such as Lake Geneva nestled in the Swiss Alps, UltraSwim 33.3 brings the spirit of Channel swimming to some of the world’s most beautiful open-water courses.
Imagine yourself diving into crystal-clear seas at dawn, your heart pounding with the same excitement Webb must have felt stepping into the Channel, or the determination that fuelled Ederle’s strokes. At UltraSwim 33.3, that experience isn’t just for imagination – it’s real, and it’s within your reach. Our events are designed for swimmers who crave adventure and personal challenge. You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete; if you’re a competent swimmer with the drive to test your limits, UltraSwim 33.3 is your invitation to make your own history. With our comprehensive preparation program, professional coaching support and a focus on safety, we ensure that “nothing great is easy” – but it is achievable. Every stroke you take in an UltraSwim 33.3 event is backed by experienced kayakers and safety boats, expert guides, and a community of fellow swimmers cheering you on. You’ll forge bonds in our support crews and with other participants from around the globe – sharing laughter, determination, and the joy of conquering challenges together. Many of our swimmers describe UltraSwim 33.3 as a life-changing adventure: it’s not just about the distance, but also about the journey, the friendships, and the triumph of pushing beyond your comfort zone.
Gertrude Ederle and Matthew Webb would be proud. When you stand on the shore at the finish of an UltraSwim 33.3 challenge – muscles aching, salt on your skin, and a medal around your neck – you join a lineage of endurance swimmers 150 years in the making. Webb’s Channel swim and Ederle’s barrier-breaking victory weren’t endpoints, but the beginning of a tradition that you are now a part of. UltraSwim 33.3 exists to keep that tradition alive and thriving. We celebrate the past by inspiring the future – your future as an endurance swimmer.
Ready to Dive In? (Your Channel Awaits!)
After 150 years, the English Channel’s legacy now passes to you. If Captain Webb’s courage and Gertrude Ederle’s boldness spark a fire in your soul, UltraSwim 33.3 is your chance to answer the call. We invite you to take the leap – or rather, the dive – and be a part of our next UltraSwim 33.3 adventure. Whether it’s racing around the wild shores of Montenegro, or the idyllic islands of Croatia or tackling the waves in another of our upcoming events, you’ll find an experience that challenges and rewards you like nothing else. Don’t just read about history – come make it!
Join the UltraSwim 33.3 legacy today – check out our upcoming events and registration details and sign up for an endurance swim experience inspired by the greatest heroes of the Channel. Channel your inner pioneer, celebrate 150 years of open-water triumphs, and create your own story of courage and endurance. The water is waiting – and your UltraSwim journey is about to begin. Dive in with us and become part of history!