Initially struggling with her preparation, Daisy Ridley’s powerful performance in Young Woman and the Sea, left her Olympic trainer in tears.

In the world of cinema, where authenticity is deemed crucial to any role, a few performances have been able to match the level of perfection brought to the silver screen by Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley. Embracing the physically demanding role of the first woman to conquer the English Channel, in the recently released biopic Young Woman and the Sea, Ridley showcased perseverance that even stunned an Olympic athlete.

Daisy Ridley in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) | Lucasfilm

Known for her iconic role as Rey in the Star Wars saga, when Daisy Ridley helmed the role of real-life athlete Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle to narrate her remarkable story, the actress took on a challenge that initially seemed beyond her comprehension. However, conquering her fear, when Ridley captured Ederle’s grit and perseverance, the actress not only overcame personal obstacles but delivered a flawless performance that left an Olympic trainer in tears.

Daisy Ridley’s Journey Through Challenges in Portraying a Pioneering Swimmer 

Popularly known for her role in the Star Wars franchise, Daisy Ridley recently ventured on a different journey when she took on the role of Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle, in her recently released biopic Young Woman and the Sea. Playing the role of the first woman to swim across the English Channel, Ridley took on the challenging task of narrating the athlete’s remarkable story.

Undoubtedly, Daisy Ridley’s journey to embody Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle turned out to be far from straightforward. Speaking with Women’s Health, Ridley recalled facing significant challenges in the water, as she struggled with swimming in a 20-meter pool. Admitting to have hit a moment of panic halfway through the pool, the actress acknowledged her limitations with a self-deprecating remark.

Daisy Ridley as Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle | Disney

The first time I swam for the role, we were in a 20-meter pool, and I swam halfway, then started panicking. I was like, I can’t do it. I actually can’t do it. It was a classic lied-on-the-CV moment of, ‘What the f*ck have I done?‘

However, despite her initial struggles, Daisy Ridley remained undeterred and committed herself to rigorous training under the guidance of Olympian Siobhan-Marie O’Connor. For two and a half months, Ridley practiced diligently, swimming for an hour and a half, three to four times a week. Her training continued with even greater intensity once she arrived on the Bulgarian set, where she swam for at least five days a week.

Daisy Ridley’s Triumph Over Obstacles Left Her Olympic Trainer in Tears

After months of rigorous training, the true test of Daisy Ridley’s transformation came on the last day of filming in the Black Sea. During her interview, the actress recalled being instructed to swim as far as she could without any certain duration. Exhausted and yet swimming her strength away, Ridley mentioned pushing hard to meet the expectations set for her.

I remember thinking, I can’t do this anymore. [Emerging out of the water I thought] God, I hope that was okay. 

Daisy Ridley in a still from Young Woman and the Sea (2024) | Disney

Although she wasn’t aware of how long she swam and how well she did, when Daisy Ridley emerged from the water, she was met with an unexpected sight. Siobhan-Marie O’Connor, her Olympian trainer, was in tears after watching the actress deliver the scene with utmost grace and authenticity.

The buildup to it was worse than the thing. Once you’re [swimming], you’re like, Oh, I’m fine. And then after the fact, I was like, How did I actually do that? Ridley shared.

Olympic athlete Siobhan-Marie O’Connor’s emotional response was not just a reflection of Daisy Ridley’s physical achievement but also a salute to her dedication and growth throughout the process. Joining the project as a novice swimmer and eventually emerging as a skilled performer, Ridley excelled at capturing the true essence of the historical achievements of Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle.

Therefore, with her rigorous training and dedication for Disney’s Young Woman and the Sea, Daisy Ridley not only honored the legacy of the extraordinary athlete but also inspired many with her own story of triumph. Released in May 2024, Gertrude Ederle’s biopic garnered positive reviews and earned an 88% RT rating.

Young Woman and the Sea is available on Disney+.