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Diana Nyad, born Diana Sneed on August 22, 1949, is a multifaceted American figure recognized as an author, journalist, motivational speaker, and accomplished long-distance swimmer. She first gained widespread acclaim in 1975 for her record-setting swim around Manhattan, covering 28 miles (45 km). In 1979, Nyad further captured national attention by swimming 102 miles (164 km) from Bimini in The Bahamas to Juno Beach, Florida.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Nyad is a prolific writer with four published books and numerous articles in various publications. She has also hosted notable radio programs such as The Savvy Traveler and contributed significantly to public radio shows like All Things Considered and Marketplace. Her media presence expanded further with appearances on CBS News Sunday Morning and the television competition Dancing with the Stars.

In 2013, at the age of 64 and on her fifth attempt, Nyad made headlines again by purportedly completing a swim from Havana, Cuba, to Key West, Florida, covering approximately 110 miles (180 km). This journey was heralded as the third known crossing of the Florida Straits by a swimmer, following Walter Poenisch in 1978 and Susie Maroney in 1997. Nyad's swim, unlike the previous attempts, aimed to be unassisted, although controversy arose regarding the supervision and verification of her swim by sporting associations.

Nyad's 2013 feat utilized a protective jellyfish suit, shark divers, and electronic shark repellent devices, elements that sparked debate about the swim's classification as unassisted. Despite initial certification by Guinness World Records, subsequent scrutiny and findings by the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) raised questions about the swim's adherence to official rules and documentation standards. Ultimately, Guinness World Records revoked its certification based on WOWSA's assessments.

The story of Nyad's 2013 swim and her collaboration with athlete and businesswoman Bonnie Stoll were adapted into the 2023 film "Nyad," which drew inspiration from Nyad's memoir "Find a Way," published in 2015. This cinematic portrayal encapsulates Nyad's enduring spirit, determination, and the controversies that have surrounded her remarkable swimming career.

Diana Nyad was born on August 22, 1949, in New York City. From a young age, she displayed a passion for swimming, setting numerous records in her teens. Nyad attended Lake Forest College in Illinois, where she continued to excel in swimming and emerged as a prominent athlete. Her early life was shaped by a supportive family environment that encouraged her athletic pursuits and instilled in her a strong sense of determination.

Nyad's career can be divided into distinct phases, each marked by significant achievements and challenges. Initially gaining fame as a competitive swimmer in the 1970s, Nyad set several world records in long-distance swimming events. She retired from professional swimming in the early 1980s and transitioned to a career in broadcasting and journalism. Nyad became a prominent sports commentator and authored several books, focusing on her experiences as an athlete and advocate for health and fitness.

However, Nyad's most remarkable career achievement came later in life when she embarked on her ambitious quest to swim from Cuba to Florida. Beginning in the 1970s, Nyad made several attempts to complete the 110-mile swim through the treacherous waters of the Florida Straits, facing challenges such as strong currents, unpredictable weather, and encounters with marine life. Despite setbacks, including failed attempts due to exhaustion and jellyfish stings, Nyad remained undeterred in her pursuit of this lifelong goal.

After more than three decades and multiple unsuccessful attempts, Nyad finally achieved her historic swim on September 2, 2013, at the age of 64. Her successful crossing from Havana to Key West, Florida, without the aid of a shark cage, made headlines worldwide and solidified her place in history as an iconic figure of endurance and perseverance.

Diana Nyad's legacy extends far beyond her athletic achievements. She has become a source of inspiration for people around the world, demonstrating the power of resilience and determination in overcoming adversity. Nyad's story has inspired countless individuals to pursue their own dreams and goals, regardless of age or perceived limitations.

Looking to the future, Nyad continues to advocate for health and fitness, sharing her experiences through public speaking engagements and media appearances. She remains actively involved in promoting swimming as a means of physical and mental well-being, encouraging people of all ages to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.

1. Duncan, Joyce (2002). "Diana Sneed Nyad". Ahead of Their Time: A Biographical Dictionary of Risk-Taking women. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing. pp. 245–247. ISBN 978-1-280-90869-9. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
2. Garcia, Anne-Marie (September 2, 2013). "Diana Nyad completes Cuba-Florida swim". USA Today. Associated Press.
3. "Nyad 1st to Swim to Florida From Cuba Without Cage". The New York Times. Associated Press. September 2, 2013. Retrieved September 2, 2013.[dead link]
4. Vlasto, Tima (2022). "The Diana Nyad Cuba-Florida Swim 2013 Report". World Open Water Swimming Association. Retrieved September 9, 2023. (with addendum dated September 2023)
5. "WOWSA Advisory Board's Decision on Diana Nyad's 2013 Cuba to Florida Swim". World Open Water Swimming Association. September 9, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2023.