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Captain Webb
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Captain Webb
Captain Matthew WEBB (1848 - 1883), who on 24 August 1875 was the first person to swim the English Channel Date: 1875
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Media ID 20145941
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%unrestricted 1875 Channel Matthew Swim Swimming Vanity Webb
EDITORS COMMENTS
Captain Matthew Webb: The First Man to Swim the English Channel, 1875 This historic photograph captures the moment of triumph for Captain Matthew Webb, the first person to successfully swim the English Channel on August 24, 1875. The image, published in Vanity Fair, shows Webb standing proudly on the shores of England, surrounded by his support team and well-wishers. Born in 1848, Webb was a British soldier, explorer, and athlete who had made a name for himself by setting numerous long-distance swimming records. However, his greatest achievement came when he decided to tackle the treacherous waters of the English Channel. The Channel, with its strong currents, cold waters, and unpredictable weather, had long been considered an impossible feat for swimmers. Despite the odds, Webb trained tirelessly for the challenge, and on August 24, 1875, he set out from Shakespeare Cliff in Dover, England, at 5:45 am. The swim took him a little over 21 hours, during which he battled against the strong currents, jellyfish, and exhaustion. But his determination and grit paid off, and at 7:15 am on August 25, he finally reached the French coast at Cap Gris-Nez. The photograph captures the jubilation of that moment, with Webb's team hoisting him onto their shoulders in celebration. The image is a testament to Webb's courage, endurance, and determination, and it marked a turning point in the history of long-distance swimming. Webb's achievement paved the way for future swimmers, and his legacy continues to inspire athletes to this day. This photograph, published in Vanity Fair, is a valuable document of a remarkable moment in sports history, and it serves as a reminder of the power of human determination and perseverance.
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