Diana Nyad — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Completed a 110-mile (180 km) swim from Havana, Cuba, to Key West, Florida, in 2013 at age 64, without a shark cage or fins, though its ratification was later denied by the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA).
Set a record in 1975 by swimming around Manhattan (28 miles or 45 km).
Authored four books, including the 2015 memoir "Find a Way."
Served as a prominent sports broadcaster and journalist for over thirty years, contributing to National Public Radio and ABC's Wide World of Sports.
Hosted the public radio program "The Savvy Traveler."
Works as a motivational speaker.

Biography

Diana Nyad is an American author, journalist, motivational speaker, and long-distance swimmer. She gained national attention in 1975 for her record-breaking swim around Manhattan, covering 28 miles (45 km). In 2013, at the age of 64, Nyad completed a 110-mile (180 km) swim from Havana, Cuba, to Key West, Florida, without the aid of a shark cage or fins.