She Made History Aug 23 – the Youngest South African Woman to Swim the English Channel

Against all odds, 18-year-old Amber-Rose Berry of Pringle Bay, near Cape Town, made history on Sunday, August 23, 2026 becoming the youngest-ever South African woman to swim the iconic English Channel. She completed the 34km/21-mile crossing -- known to be one of the world's most grueling open-water swims -- in just 10 hours and 27 minutes. (This remains unofficial until her time is ratified by the Channel Swimming Association.) Rosie did so while battling strong currents, painful jellyfish stings and waves from the massive wake of a giant container ship. https://www.channelswimmingassociation.com/swim/6143/amber-rose-berry

Amber-Rose has made history once before. While only 16, she was entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the youngest person ever to make Cape Town's 33km False Bay crossing. She completed the crossing, solo, in 9 hours 40. And she did so without a wetsuit, in just a costume and a swim cap. Her English Channel swim was completed exactly 100 years since Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim the channel in 1926, and in South Africa's Women's Month, 70 years after the pivotal women's march against the Pass Laws, which gave August its name.

Amber-Rose's determination to break records is about more than personal achievement—it's about inspiring others to acts of bravery and dedication. In the spirit of her journey, this fundraiser will help launch the Ukukhula Institute in Makhanda. This advanced sports academy provides scholarships for disadvantaged student-athletes from Eastern Cape high schools to attend Rhodes University, the alma mater of her mother Karen Berry.

Amber-Rose invites you to join her to 'Believe in What You Can Achieve'. Her incredible physical and mental accomplishment shines a light on what is possible when you believe in yourself, and the funds raised will create opportunities for others to follow in her footsteps. Your support will help empower young athletes in South Africa to pursue their dreams. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign to help make a difference.