City of London School for Girls (CLSG) has once again made history with its fourth Channel swim. A junior team crossed to France in just 11 hours and 32 minutes. CLSG was the first school in the UK to complete this remarkable feat, having first achieved it 61 years ago in 1964.
In June, a team of seven determined swimmers, aged 13 to 15, took on the challenging 21-mile stretch between Folkestone and France. They had trained rigorously for the challenge, with sessions in CLSG’s own pool (including night swims), at the London Fields Lido, at Dover and in Greece, and in the cold waters of Brighton’s shoreline. The dedication and discipline they have shown is truly inspiring.
A distinct aspect of this year’s swim is the involvement of the original 1964 and 1973 team members. These pioneering swimmers, now in their 60s and 70s, have been actively supporting the current squad, offering advice, encouragement, and even swimming alongside them in the school pool. Their continued connection to the Channel swim has added a personal and motivational element to this year’s challenge, fostering a sense of history and connection that spans six decades.
The first successful swim took place on 16 July 1964, when a team of ten swimmers, four reserves, and two support boats crossed the Channel in an impressive 16 hours and 20 minutes, overcoming challenging tides and jellyfish. Their return was met with a triumphant welcome from students, staff, parents, the Corporation, and the press. This achievement marked the beginning of CLSG’s ongoing legacy of Channel swimming.
In 1973, two teams completed the swim. The first team crossed in 10 hours and 40 minutes, while the second team, whose average age was just 13, completed the swim in an impressive time of under 13 hours.
This year’s swim is not only a physical challenge but also an opportunity for CLSG to celebrate the spirit of determination, teamwork, and tradition that has defined the school for over a century.