Historical Wahine, Mercedes Gleitz

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What a woman, Mercedes Gleitz, and a young woman at that!

First person known to have swam the Gibraltar Strait, first woman to swim the English Channel, and, closer to home, the first woman to swim across Wellington Harbour. A pioneer of open water swimming and a kick ass wahine.
Information board about Mercedes Gleitz with a photo of her
[I can't quite recall why this is on or near the Nelson Boat Shed Cafe or Boatshed Society when it talks about Wellington]
335 State Highway 6, Coal Creek 7802, New Zealand

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