Born: 1937 (Toronto, Ontario)
Biography:
Marilyn Grace Bell Di Lascio OOnt (born October 19, 1937) is a Canadian retired long-distance swimmer. She is best known for being the first person to swim across Lake Ontario, a remarkable achievement that catapulted her into the annals of swimming history. Marilyn went on to conquer even more challenging open water swims, including the English Channel and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, solidifying her reputation as one of the greatest long-distance swimmers of her time.
Born in Toronto, Ontario to parents Sydney and Grace Bell, Marilyn’s family relocated to North Bay, Ontario, and then Halifax, Nova Scotia, before eventually returning to Toronto in 1946. From a young age, Marilyn showed a natural affinity for swimming. In 1946, she joined the Dolphinette Club coached by Alex Duff and began taking swimming lessons at Oakwood Pool. It was at this time that Marilyn’s incredible journey in the world of swimming began.
In 1947, at just ten years old, Marilyn entered her first long-distance race, a one-mile swim at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Lake Ontario. Little did she know that this would be the start of a groundbreaking career that would make her a household name. In the same year, Marilyn crossed paths with Gus Ryder, who would become her coach and mentor. Joining the Lakeshore Swimming Club, Marilyn started training at the indoor pool of Humberside Collegiate in Toronto, honing her skills and setting her sights on ever greater challenges.
In July 1954, at the tender age of 16, Marilyn participated in the Centennial Marathon at Atlantic City, New Jersey. Swimming alongside her Lakeshore Swimming Club teammates Tom Park and Cliff Lumsden, Marilyn finished first among the women’s competitors and seventh overall, earning US$1,150. This impressive display of endurance and skill served as a precursor to the historic feat that was about to make Marilyn a true icon.
On September 8, 1954, at 11:07 pm, Marilyn Bell embarked on her groundbreaking swim across Lake Ontario. Starting from Youngstown, New York, she faced the immense challenge with unparalleled determination and unwavering courage. This was no ordinary swim; not only was Bell aiming to traverse a treacherous body of water spanning approximately 32 miles, but she also had the weight of Canadian expectations on her shoulders.
The decision to undertake this feat was a result of a controversial decision by the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) to offer world-famous American swimmer Florence Chadwick a substantial sum of money to swim Lake Ontario. This decision caused disappointment among Canadian swimmers, including Marilyn Bell herself, who believed that a marathon race should have taken place instead. In response to this disappointment, Bell took it upon herself to swim the entire lake as a symbol of national pride. Throughout her journey, Marilyn faced numerous challenges, from strong currents to unfavorable weather conditions, but her indomitable spirit and unwavering perseverance propelled her forward.
Finally, on September 9, 1954, after over 20 hours of non-stop swimming, Marilyn Bell emerged victorious on the shores of Toronto’s Marilyn Bell Park. Her triumphant achievement not only made her the first person ever to swim across Lake Ontario but also established her as a symbol of determination and inspiration for generations to come. Her incredible accomplishment not only raised the bar for future swimmers but also ignited a passion for open water swimming in Canada.
Following her unprecedented success, Marilyn continued to make impressive contributions to the world of swimming. In 1955, she became the youngest person at the time to swim the English Channel, overcoming the formidable challenge with the same tenacity that defined her previous endeavors. Opening doors for other women in the sport, Marilyn challenged stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of female athletes.
In her personal life, Marilyn married Joe Di Lascio and moved to the United States, settling in New Jersey. Together, they raised four children, Lisa, Michael, Jodi, and Janet, who were initially unaware of their mother’s fame. Bell earned a BA, became an American citizen, and pursued a successful career as a teacher for over two decades. Tragedy struck in September 2007 when Joe Di Lascio passed away, leading Marilyn to embark on a new chapter in her life.
Marilyn later relocated to New Paltz, New York, where she faced new challenges due to a back injury and scoliosis. In the early 2000s, she had to give up swimming temporarily and relied on a motorized chair for mobility. However, in 2016, with the help of swimming instructor Terry Laughlin, Marilyn defied the odds and returned to the water at her retirement home. Adapting her swimming style to minimize strain on her spine, Marilyn once again found solace and joy in her passion for swimming.
Marilyn Bell’s enduring legacy in women’s history lies not only in her remarkable swimming achievements but also in her unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and inspire others. Her courage and resilience continue to inspire individuals around the world to pursue their dreams, defy odds, and push boundaries. Marilyn Bell’s name will forever be etched in the annals of swimming history, a testament to the indomitable spirit of women in sports.
Awards:
– Order of Ontario (2005)
– Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (1998)
– Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (1970)