As reported by CNN and Diana Nyad's blog – the famed 62-year-old swimmer will attempt to swim 103 miles between Cuba and Florida on Sunday. I was honored to be an official observer last September when Diana made her second attempt of the 2011 summer only to thwarted by multiple debilitating jelly fish sting after 30 hours of swimming. During that swim Diana displayed a strength and determination that is laudable for an athlete of any age – but when you consider the fact that she was 61 years of age her accomplishment was phenomenal. Although each stroke she took during those 30 hours of swimming was remarkable, her quick recovery and astute insight on the boat ride back to Key West is what was truly impressive. Diana Nyad is a very strong woman who continues to inspire with her efforts. Over the last year she resumed an impressive training regimen and worked with swim suit manufacture FINIS to develop a suit that is in line with channel swimming guidelines that can project against the jelly fish. She has assembled a top notched crew of experts to support this endeavor with the hope that 2012 is the year she realizes what is called the “XtremeDream”. The 103 mile swim is expect to take at least 60 hours of continuous swimming. It will be exciting to follow her progress. Her team will be likely reporting on Twitter (@diananyad) and on her blog.
Mike Lewis / Ola Vista Photography