She Makes History In The Channel Race - In training at Folkestone, Kent for the Channel swimming race in August is Gabi Vegni (pictured here), a 20-year-old Egyptian girl who speaks five languages. She make history as the first Arab woman to take part in ***** Gabi took up long-distance swimming as recently as January this year. She won her place to the Egyptian team for the Channel swim by coming second is the Nile race. Egyptian Gabi Vegni, 20, relaxes during training at Folkestone, England, for the Channel swimming race next month. Gabi, who speaks five languages, will be the first Arab woman to compete in such an event. July 16, 1955. (Photo by Reuterphoto).