Actor Daisy Ridley’s Transformation into Swimmer Gertrude Ederle
“Star Wars” actor Daisy Ridley took on the challenging role of Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim across the English Channel, in the upcoming movie “Young Woman and the Sea.” Ridley underwent an intense three-month training regimen to prepare for the role, guided by two-time Olympian Siobhan-Marie O’Connor.
Despite initial doubts and fears, Ridley immersed herself in swimming three to four times a week for several months. Her dedication paid off, as director Joachim Ronning praised her swimming skills during filming, opting to use Ridley for most scenes instead of stunt swimmers.
The film sheds light on Ederle’s historic achievement in 1926, when she completed a 21-mile swim in record time. Ridley’s portrayal of Ederle’s journey from amateur to elite swimmer showcases the challenges faced by female athletes during Ederle’s time, highlighting the ongoing battle for gender equality in sports.
As “Young Woman and the Sea” hits theaters, Ridley hopes to inspire conversations about the visibility and pay equity for female athletes, emphasizing the importance of continuing to push for progress in the realm of women’s athletics.