Who was the first female to swim the English Channel?
In 1926, Gertrude Ederle was the first woman to swim the English Channel. She was only 19 years old and an Olympic medalist when she made the crossing.
Below is an instruction that describes a task, paired with an input that provides further context. Write a response that appropriately completes the request.
### Instruction: Who was the first female to swim the English Channel?
### Input: 
### Response: In 1926, Gertrude Ederle was the first woman to swim the English Channel. She was only 19 years old and an Olympic medalist when she made the crossing.