Myra Elizabeth Thompson

Myra Elizabeth Thompson, first person to attempt a crossing from the Farallon Islands

Myra Thompson (born 2 February 1935) is an American open water swimmer from San Francisco, California).

Open Water Swimming Career Highlights

In 1956 at age 18, Thompson tried to become the first person to complete an open water swim from the Farallon Islands to San Francisco and came within 2 miles of her goal after 18 hours in the water.
She was a member of the World Professional Marathon Swimming Federation.
She attempted to cross the Strait of Juan de Fuca between the state of Washington and Canada.
She swam the furthest, a total of 14 hours, in an organized Farallon Islands Swim competition from the Farallon Islands to San Francisco on 25 September 1956 among 8 competitors.
She completed the 1959 Billy Butlin Cross Channel International Swim across the English Channel in 15 hours 35 minutes, only 10 minutes behind Greta Andersen.
She competed in the 1960 36 km Maratona del Golfo Capri-Napoli in Italy.