BirthFactDeath (x) Tuesday 24th of August 1875 149 years ago He Set Off at a Steady Breaststroke |
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27-year-old swimmer Matthew Webb becomes the first man to swim across the Channel. in Admiralty Pier, Dover, Kent, United Kingdom. Backed by three escort boats and smeared in porpoise oil Webb set off into the ebb tide at a steady breaststroke. Despite stings from jellyfish and strong currents off Cap Gris Nez after approximately 21 hours and 40 minutes he landed near Calais. Webb's zig-zag course across the Channel was nearly 66 km long. |
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