T.M. Kayode

This past Sunday, my family and I watched The Young Woman and the Sea. I must say, it checked every box for the kinds of movies I love. It’s biographical, it showcases how the main character overcomes challenges, and it’s packed with meaningful lessons.

Warning: This review contains spoilers! If you plan on watching this movie, consider yourself warned.

I’ve decided to focus on just five lessons from the movie, though there are many more. I encourage you to watch it for yourself and see what resonates with you.

Let’s dive in.

The movie is set in 1924 and tells the story of Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle, a young woman who achieved great success as an Olympic swimmer and set her sights on swimming the English Channel.

P.S. The English Channel is a body of water between Southern England and Northern France. The narrowest point, the Strait of Dover, is around 21 miles (34 kilometers) wide, which is the most common route for swimmers. The Channel is notorious for its unpredictable tides and cold temperatures, which can add significant challenges to the swim.

Lesson 1: Don’t Rule Out the Underdog
Trudy was almost dismissed by her first swim coach, but her mother spoke up, and she got her chance. In her first major competition, no one expected her to do well. She started in last place, but to everyone’s shock, she won the entire race. This shows the power of giving someone a chance, no matter how unlikely their success might seem. Also, I think of the roles parents play in advocating for their children.

Lesson 2: How to Deal with Temporary Defeat
Trudy finally had her chance to swim the Channel, and she was doing well—until her second coach, who was supposed to support her, sabotaged her. The coach, unable to complete the swim himself, couldn’t bear to see her succeed. Despite this betrayal, Trudy didn’t sulk. She decided to swim again just days later, even though she was still fatigued. Her grit and tenacity were truly inspiring.

Lesson 3: The Power of Collaboration
During her second attempt, Trudy became exhausted. Her sister, who was in a nearby boat, decided to jump into the water and tease her into a mini race, knowing that Trudy’s competitive spirit would kick in. This playful act gave Trudy the strength she needed to push through.

Lesson 4: The Power of Coaching
Trudy’s last coach had successfully swum the Channel himself. His experience allowed him to provide expert advice tailored to the challenges Trudy faced. This made me think about the importance of finding coaches who have walked the path before you and can guide you through your own journey.

Lesson 5: The Power of Vision and Community
At one point during the swim, Trudy got lost at sea. News quickly spread that she was missing. But then something incredible happened—strangers who believed in her vision lit up the riverbank path with torches, helping guide her to the finish line. This powerful scene gave me chills. It’s a reminder of how a community can come together to support someone with a clear and compelling vision.

What struck me most about the movie was Trudy’s singularity of vision and her relentless determination to see it through, no matter the challenges. The odds were stacked against her in every way—this was 1924, after all. Opportunities like hers were incredibly rare, and pursuing them meant going against the grain of societal norms.

I am deeply grateful for women like Trudy who shattered the barriers of their time. We can exist in the world as we do today because of their cumulative sacrifices. 

Their courage paved the way for future generations, and their legacy inspires us to push forward, no matter the obstacles.