More That 30 Years Later, Diana Nyad, 61, Readies for Cuba-Key West Swim Again

More than 30 years after unsuccessfully attempting to swim about 100 miles from Cuba to Key West, 61-year-old Diana Nyad is getting ready to try it again.

The marathon swimmer said she hopes to leave Key West within days, where she has been completing her final training.

Now 32 years older than she was during her first attempt, Nyad said she expected her increased resilience and staying power to benefit her during the swim.

"I think I have a better chance mentally, and in spirit and will, than I did before," Nyad said. "That's what it's all about out there — the will."

A plane trip from Key West to Cuba will take far less time then the planned swim, which is estimated to take approximately 60 hours. Exact departure date and time for the swim to begin near Havana is contingent on weather conditions.

Nyad, a Los Angeles resident, said Saturday she has all necessary U.S. and Cuban government documents to complete the swim.

During the swim, Nyad will be accompanied by professional kayakers with electronic shark repelling devices, instead of swimming in a shark cage as she did in 1978.

Nyad's 1978 attempt ended when she was lifted into a support boat after more than 41 hours of fighting strong currents and huge waves, driven far off course in a physically and mentally debilitating battle.

She said her 60th birthday last summer, and her dislike of prevailing perceptions about older people, inspired her to make the second attempt.

"I want 60-year-olds to look at me and say, 'You know that silly bumper sticker '60 is the new 40?' She's proving it today," said Nyad.

Nyad said it wasn't the training that was the most difficult part of the project. It was putting the effort together and looking for backing. She is especially appreciative of the support she has received from the Key West community.

"The people in town have been so generous to me," She said. "Everybody's into it.

"The Southernmost Hotel chain has given me a free hotel room for as long as I'm here," she said. "The Key West Yacht Club has given us free dockage for our boats.

"The whole operation costs about $400,000 to put together over a year-long thing, so all of these generous donations from the good people here in the Keys have helped enormously and I will be forever grateful," Nyad said.

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• West
• Florida
• Keys
• Swim
• Cuba
• Attempt
• Diana
• Nyad

[2littleheartsathome]

Ya  you go!!!!

[KingsBlend1]

@ih8makinusernames  Now that's funny... and partially true!

[marge432]

good try

[AutopsyReport22]

So this is really about proving to people that 60 is the new 40? I think this whole swim idea was silly. Common sense should've dictated to this lady that this swim would be hard at her age with her joint problems. Forget what other people think about age. If you want to do something special, then adopt an orphan.

[ih8makinusernames]

The Cubans have been doing that swim for decades.

[mauroggioni]

may be SHE is a shark too,,,

[wweeks587]

how are you not afraid of sharks attacking you ??

[NYMArts]

Slow and Steady reaches the Goal ! It's like Flying through "Heavy Space". Last night I couldn't sleep, just Thinking about your Adventure ! Keep us updated.