Streeter, Alison (1964–)

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Streeter, Alison (1964–)

English long-distance swimmer. Born 1964 in Nutfield, Surrey, England; dau. of Freda Streeter (schoolteacher).

Known as "Queen of the Channel," took up swimming to help with asthma; just shy of 18th birthday, crossed English Channel for 1st time; was the 1st woman to swim from Ireland to Scotland, the 1st person to swim from Scotland to Ireland, and the 1st British woman to swim Channel both ways; other long-distance routes include Ireland to Scotland, Capri to Naples, tidal length of Thames River from Richmond to Gravesend (and back) and around Manhattan Island; became overall record-holder (man or woman) for most cross-channel swims (40) in 1995; awarded MBE (1991).

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