The Woman Behind the Challenge

Jeannie Zappe is a motivational speaker, marathon swimmer, coach... and eternal optimist! At 53, she swam around Manhattan, crossed the English Channel at 55, and became the 112th woman to complete the Triple Crown of open water swimming at 56 by swimming from Catalina Island to Long Beach, CA. Now 60, Jeannie is hoping to once again have the opportunity to swim the English Channel (21 miles) in July 2026... this time in honor of her husband, Chris, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in January 2024.

Chris was a brilliant academic his whole adult life - a beloved professor at University of Florida, Bucknell University, and Gettysburg College. He was a trusted and respected Dean at Bucknell and long-time Provost at Gettysburg. Chris's diagnosis has been devastating for their entire family, including their two sons, Matt (28) and Jack (22). Jeannie is determined to utilize her eternal optimism and passion for swimming to make a difference in the fight against dementia by raising funds for CTF through this swim challenge. She invites anyone to donate in support, follow her monumental swim live, purchase merchandise, promote on social media and/or spread the word!

COUNTDOWN TO SWIM

 

 

 

Ways to Support

Learn more about Jeannie on her website www.eternaloptimist.me

You can also get to know Jeannie on Loud & Lifted, a female leadership podcast hosted by former CEO Betsy Hamm:

T-shirt and hats will be available soon for purchase to help support Jeannie's swim and raise funds for CTF's mission. Check back soon for more details of this release!

Follow Jeannie live as she swims the English Channel!

The English Channel is a 21 mile swim from Dover England to Calais France; however, a much longer route is usually taken pending swim conditions and weather. Jeannie's swim window is between Tuesday, July 7th - Sunday, July 12th... water and weather conditions permitting. We will release more details once closer to the swim, including a live tracker that will allow you to follow Jeannie as she swims through this momentous challenge!

Jeannie's Inspiration

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Gertrude Ederle’s historic English Channel crossing. In 1926, she became the first woman to complete the swim—an achievement that continues to inspire Jeannie today. In honor of this milestone anniversary, it feels only fitting that Jeannie takes on the same remarkable challenge in 2026!

Sponsors

This English Channel challenge is made possible by the generous support of the incredible sponsors below—Jeannie is proud to have them alongside her on this journey!