Taylor, Stella (1929—)
Taylor, Stella (1929—)
Long-distance swimmer. Born in 1929.
Stella Taylor, a former Catholic nun, became a long-distance swimmer and set several records, including records for swimming the English Channel, Loch Ness, and the straits between the Bahamas and Florida. Her greatest achievement happened at the age of 52 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. On a Tuesday in April 1982, at 10 pm, Taylor began swimming laps in the 55-yard pool at the International Swimming Hall of Fame; she remained in the pool until Friday afternoon at 3 pm—a total of 65 hours. She had traversed the length of the pool and back 3,120 times, an estimated 175 miles, which shattered her old record. To sustain herself, Taylor had relied on a diet of honey, rice, egg salad, and cheese.
Karina L. Kerr , M.A., Ypsilanti, Michigan