Gertrude Ederle held the record for this swim for over 81 years.  The swim which was a regular contested event from 1914 to 1924 sponsored by the NY Herald Tribune newspaper company went into hiatus after Gertrudes record setting swim.  

On July 21, 2006, Tammy van Wisse swam from the Battery to Sandy Hook in a time of 5:07.  This swim opened the modern era for this swim.  

Tammy's web site (www.tammyvanwisse.com) contains more information about her attempt to break Gertrude's record and her sponsor has posted photos at www.eophoto.com/20060721_mela_tammy_web.

"Meeting the Ederle family and getting to know them helped me to swim with the spirit of Gertrude," van Wisse said.  "She was a pioneer for women, a barrier-breaker for all athletes and a timeless inspiration."

She said her objective for swimming to Sandy Hook was to honour Ederle.

"This swim is significant to me for several reasons," van Wisse said.  "Gertrude Ederle was a woman I admired for her 'never say die' attitude and amazing perseverance. Her swims meant more than just records.  She advanced the acceptance of women in sports, and she did it at a time when women were discouraged from participating."

Ederle Swim results 2006 (click here)

Race Results 2007 (click here)