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Friday, July 8, 2011

Swimmer Diana Nyad Plans 103-Mile Cuba To Florida Swim

Swimmer Diana Nyad. (Photo Courtesy of Diana Nyad/Ron Baers)

Swimmer Diana Nyad. (Photo Courtesy of Diana Nyad/Ron Baers)

Here & Now Guest:

Diana Nyad doesn’t give up.  At age 61, the distance swimming legend will once again attempt the 103 mile swim from Cuba to Florida.

Nyad, now a public radio commentator, tried in 1978 to swim from Cuba to Florida, but 8-foot waves forced her to quit after 2 days.

Nyad says she recently realized how much she wanted to complete the swim, and she will try once more this summer.  She’s preparing in Key West, Florida, where she’s based until she gets word that the weather is calm enough to fly down and start the swim from Cuba.

Other stories from Friday's show

We welcome comments from all of our listeners. Post below. Please stay on topic and be civil. Comments may be moderated by us, but you are solely responsible for the content of your comments.

  • Cathy

    As a 56 year old triathlete, watching Diana is truly motivating. It is so much harder to stay strong as we age.  Go for it- you gutsy gal! You will make all of us middle age ladies proud. 

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AS5LTRFJ6VH6D2GLSK7YF54TUE libera

    You’re never too old to follow your dream!!!! Watching your video made me feel you can do anything no matter your age…. What incredible tenacity and guts to be so fearless and so compassionate about what you’re doing. No regrets! Brava!!!

    • Pastormatt

      vhjdrsthhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssshttttrssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

  • Teresa Fritschi

    I have always been a recreational swimmer (learned to swim in the St. Lawrence River at age 3 – you know strong enough to spend an hour in the ocean (not touching the sand beneath) but not competitive or even remotely serious. This summer I am taking semi-private lessons. Have a 50 metre time of under 50 seconds (without a flip turn) and now swim laps for 2 hours a day vs. bobbing in the water. I am stronger and leaner than in years. My “coach” sent Diana’s Yahoo video to me with the subject line of “One for You!”.  I cried I was so inspired. I have now Tweeted her, encouraged people to buy her t-shirts and taken a lesson about what’s possible for a 50 year to accomplish. THANK YOU DIANA and truly God Speed!

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