On a September evening in 1954, a quarter of a million people gathered on the shores of Humber Bay, hoping to catch a glimpse of Toronto swimmer Marilyn Bell.

 

That night, the 16-year-old beat famed American swimmer Florence Chadwick to become the first person in recorded history to swim across Lake Ontario, fighting through frigid waves while fending off lamprey eels. By the time she reached shore, she was so exhausted she didn’t even hear the crowd of proud fans, in a growing city eager to prove it could compete with the United States, cheering her on.

 

A Canadian Legend: Marilyn Bell

 

• Born 1937, Toronto, Ontario.
• At 16 years old, she became the first person in recorded history to swim across Lake Ontario.
• Other significant swims: English Channel (France to England), Juan de Fuca Straight (Port Angeles, Washington to Victoria, British Columbia).