Olympic silver medal-winning swimmer Siobhan-Marie O’Connor has made a splash in the world of film by training actress Daisy Ridley for her role in the upcoming biopic “Young Woman and the Sea.” The film tells the inspiring story of Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle, the first woman to swim across the English Channel.
Ms. O’Connor, who retired from competitive swimming in 2021, spent six months working with Ridley to prepare her for the challenging role. The 28-year-old swimmer described the experience as “surreal” and expressed her desire to continue coaching and training in the future.
“Young Woman and the Sea” follows Ederle’s remarkable journey from overcoming measles to breaking gender barriers in the world of swimming. Ms. O’Connor, who was initially surprised by the lack of awareness about Ederle’s achievements, now feels proud to be a part of sharing her story with the world.
Ridley’s dedication to training impressed Ms. O’Connor, who noted the actress’s remarkable progress in mastering the art of swimming for the film. The training culminated in filming in the Black Sea, where the pair worked tirelessly to perfect Ridley’s technique and endurance.
In a surprising turn of events, Ms. O’Connor also landed a cameo in the film, further solidifying her connection to Ederle’s legacy. Reflecting on her involvement, she described the experience as “surreal” and expressed her gratitude for being a part of such a meaningful project.
As “Young Woman and the Sea” prepares to make waves in the world of cinema, Siobhan-Marie O’Connor’s contribution to the film serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of trailblazing women athletes like Trudy Ederle.
