It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Elaine Gray. Elaine swam the Channel on the 17th of July 1967 escorted by Captain Hutchinson, on the most perfect day imaginable, the water was like glass, and she completed the swim in 10 hours 24 minutes becoming the fastest lady to cross from France to England and setting a new Ladies World Record.
Elaine was one of the greatest open-water swimmers of her generation, Between 1962 and 1965 she won 15 consecutive British long-distance swimming association championships as well as five ASA National 5 mile championships. In 1966 she won the Ladies inaugural Windermere international championship coming second to Gerry Forsberg who won the male swim.
She was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame as an older swimmer in 1971.
Her husband Peter Informs us that she passed away quietly and peacefully on the 2nd of October after a brave battle with abdominal cancer. She had been in poor health in recent years having suffered a significant stroke but had successfully worked her way back into masters swimming to compete in the National Championships. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, son, daughter, and three grandchildren.
The board and members of the Channel Swimming Association send their deepest condolences to Peter and his family.
