Diana Nyad's Fourth Attempt To Swim From Cuba To Florida
- 12 years ago
U.S. swimmer Diana Nyad set out on Saturday for her fourth attempt at swimming from Cuba to Florida.
The 62-year-old hopes to swim the 103 miles in just 60 hours.
As well as being one the world's top long distance swimmers, Nyad is also extremely brave: she will make the journey without a cage to protect her from the numerous sharks known to prowl these waters.
In addition, last time she embarked on the epic undertaking she had to stop after 40 hours of swimming – due to jellyfish stings.
Speaking at a news conference before taking the plunge, Nyad described her hope for greater understanding and cooperation between the U.S. and Cuba:
[Diana Nyad, U.S. Swimmer]:
"I hope Cuba/Florida becomes the new English Channel and I hope a Cuban can swim across. Legally."
Nyad already holds the world record for the longest ocean swim - 102.5 miles from the Bahamas to Florida.
The 62-year-old hopes to swim the 103 miles in just 60 hours.
As well as being one the world's top long distance swimmers, Nyad is also extremely brave: she will make the journey without a cage to protect her from the numerous sharks known to prowl these waters.
In addition, last time she embarked on the epic undertaking she had to stop after 40 hours of swimming – due to jellyfish stings.
Speaking at a news conference before taking the plunge, Nyad described her hope for greater understanding and cooperation between the U.S. and Cuba:
[Diana Nyad, U.S. Swimmer]:
"I hope Cuba/Florida becomes the new English Channel and I hope a Cuban can swim across. Legally."
Nyad already holds the world record for the longest ocean swim - 102.5 miles from the Bahamas to Florida.