Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

---

Jeannie Zappe, known more commonly by her supporters as The Eternal Optimist, braved the English Channel once at 55-years-old, but she craved more.

Zappe decided to book another swim and set her sights on braving the open waters again at 60.

Read more: local21news.com/amazing-america/that-water-is-my-home-mechanicsburg-native-talks-about-swim-across-the-english-channel-jeannie-zappe-pa-pennsylvania-alzheimers-disease-united-kingdom-europe-france

-----------------------------------------------------------
Follow CBS 21 News on social media:

CBS 21 News on Facebook: facebook.com/cbs21news Twitter:
CBS 21 News on Twitter: twitter.com/CBS21NEWS
CBS 21 News on Instagram: instagram.com/whptv cbs21.com

Subscribe to CBS 21 News on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCEyqrfHvDzwfSPn63vXl13Q

For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit local21news.com
Watch our live newscasts and other live video at local21news.com/watch


Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:

Email us: news@cbs21.com
Call the Newsroom: 717.238.2100


WHP is a PA based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. Sinclair owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 163 television stations in 77 markets, after pending transactions. Sinclair's television group reaches approximately 38.7% of US television households and includes FOX, ABC, MyTV, CW, CBS, NBC, Univision and Azteca affiliates.

#cbs21 #cbs21news #harrisburg #harrisburgnews #localnews #breakingnews #whp #pennsylvania #pa #panews