Marilyn Bell facts for kids

Marilyn Grace Bell Di Lascio, born on October 19, 1937, is a famous Canadian long-distance swimmer. She made history by being the first person to swim across Lake Ontario. She also bravely swam the English Channel and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

About Marilyn Bell's Life

Marilyn Bell was born in Toronto, Ontario. Her family moved around a bit before settling back in Toronto in 1946. After her amazing swimming career, Marilyn married Joe Di Lascio. They moved to New Jersey, United States, and had four children: Lisa, Michael, Jodi, and Janet. Her children didn't even know how famous their mom was!

Marilyn went to college and became a teacher for over twenty years. She also became an American citizen. Sadly, Joe Di Lascio passed away in September 2007. Marilyn later moved to New Paltz, New York.

In the early 2000s, Marilyn had to stop swimming because of a back injury. But in 2016, she found a way to swim again! A swimming instructor helped her change her style so it wouldn't hurt her back.

Marilyn Bell's Swimming Adventures

Marilyn started swimming lessons in 1946. She joined a club called the Dolphinette Club. In 1947, she entered her first long-distance race in Lake Ontario. There, she met her future coach, Gus Ryder. Soon, Marilyn joined his Lakeshore Swimming Club.

In July 1954, Marilyn competed in a big race in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She finished first among the women swimmers and seventh overall. She won some money for her great effort!

Swimming Across Lake Ontario

A plaque dedicated to Marilyn Bell Park

On September 8, 1954, Marilyn Bell began her swim across Lake Ontario. She started from Youngstown, New York. At the same time, a very famous American swimmer, Florence Chadwick, also started the swim.

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) had offered Florence Chadwick a lot of money to swim the lake. This made Canadian swimmers, including Marilyn, feel a bit left out. They thought the CNE should have a race for everyone. Because of this, the CNE allowed other swimmers to join. Marilyn decided to swim the whole lake by herself. She later said she "did it for Canada."

After several hours, Florence Chadwick had to stop because she felt sick. Another swimmer, Winnie Roach, also quit due to cramps. But Marilyn kept going! She swam for 20 hours and 59 minutes. Finally, she reached the shore near the Boulevard Club in Toronto.

The planned swim was about 51.5 kilometers (32 miles). But Marilyn had to swim much further because of strong winds. The waves were almost 5 meters (16 feet) high! The water was 21°C (70°F), and lamprey eels were even bothering her.

Marilyn stayed strong by drinking special liquids like corn syrup and lemon juice. Her boat crew, including her coach Gus Ryder, cheered her on. Radio stations gave updates on her progress. When she finally arrived, a huge crowd of over 250,000 people was there to see her!

Marilyn Bell was the first person to swim the 32-mile distance across Lake Ontario. The CNE decided to give her the $10,000 prize. She also received many gifts, like a car and a television. Marilyn even appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Other Amazing Swims

After her Lake Ontario swim, a newspaper offered Marilyn $15,000 to swim the English Channel. On July 31, 1955, she successfully crossed it in 14 hours and 36 minutes. She started in France and ended in England. At just 17 years old, she was the youngest swimmer to complete this challenge! Her coach, Gus Ryder, guided her. When she returned to Toronto, a huge parade was held for her.

On August 23, 1956, Marilyn swam the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This strait is off the Pacific coast, between Washington state and British Columbia. She swam from Port Angeles, Washington, to Victoria, British Columbia. This was her second try, and she succeeded! There's a special stone monument in Victoria that remembers her amazing swim.

Awards and Recognition

Marilyn Bell received many honors for her incredible achievements:

• In 1954, she was named the Canadian Newsmaker of the Year.
• She won the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's athlete of the year.
• She also received the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as the top Canadian female athlete.
• In 1958, she was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
• In 1993, she joined the Canadian Swimming Hall of Fame.
• She was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.
• In 2003, Marilyn Bell Di Lascio received the Order of Ontario, a very high honor.

Her Lake Ontario swim was recognized as a National Historic Event in 2005. A plaque was put up in 2008 near where she landed. Another plaque is on a lion statue near the CNE grounds. There's also a plaque in Victoria, British Columbia, for her Strait of Juan de Fuca swim.

A park near where Marilyn landed after her Lake Ontario swim is now named Marilyn Bell Park. In 2009, the Lakeshore Swimming Club started the annual Marilyn Bell Swim Classic. In 2010, a ferry boat that goes to the Toronto Island Airport was named the Marilyn Bell 1.

Marilyn's historic swim was even made into a TV movie in 2001 called Heart: The Marilyn Bell Story.