Who is Diana Nyad?

As far as hobbies go, swimming is almost universal in its appeal. Whether you’re looking for the best online casino australia, of for the latest hit movie to watch, in all likelihood in terms of sport at least you’ve also had a assing interesting in swimming. Diana Nyad is an American long-distance swimmer, broadcaster and journalist, best known for being the first person to complete the 110-mile swim from Havana, Cuba to Key West, Florida without the aid of a shark cage. Nyad first attempted to swim across the Straits of Florida in 1978, while still in her late twenties. On that occasion, she swam with the protection of a shark cage, but her attempt was thwarted by tempestuous weather and power currents, which pushed her far off course. The following year, she did complete the epic, 102-mile crossing from Bimini, in the Bahamas, to Jupiter, Florida without a shark cage, but shortly afterwards retired from competitive swimming.

However, in 2009, at the age of 60, Nyad sought an all-consuming challenge and dedicated her life to training and fund-raising for another attempt at the notoriously elusive Cuba-to-Florida swim. In fact, she tried, and failed, three more times, succumbing to asthma and painful box jellyfish stings in 2011 and stormy weather and jellyfish stings, again, in 2012. Nevertheless, on August 31, 2013, at the age of 64, Nyad finally achieved her lifelong ambition. Armed with a lycra body suit and face mask and supported by a comprehensive crew, she completed the crossing in 52 hours, 54 minutes and 18 second to earn her place in history. In this internet age of www.sagamblingsites.co.za and other trusted sites, it’s quite something that such impressive real world feats still take place.