At the age of 64, Diana Nyad emerged onto the sands of Key West after swimming from Cuba to Florida in an epic feat of both endurance and human will.
From the dedicated crew who navigated the waters to the expert nutritionists who fueled her body to the motivational coaches who kept her spirits high, Diana credits her success to the unwavering synergy of her team.
In this conversation, Diana shares powerful examples of teamwork from her years-long pursuit of this goal while also discussing how to assemble a high-performance team and how to face challenges with a resilient mindset.
At age 60, having not swum a stroke in decades, Hall of Fame swimmer Diana Nyad began planning for her white whale of distance swims: the 110-mile ocean crossing between Cuba and Florida.
She’d tried it once, in her 20s, and severe jellyfish attacks had defeated her then. With a new commitment to her vision, she attempted it again and accomplished this incredible feat 30 years after she failed to complete it before.
In this moving conversation, Diana shows us that it is never too late to chase our dreams and shares the key steps we all need to take in order to accomplish our goals, no matter how big.
Diana Nyad, a name synonymous with unyielding determination and indomitable spirit, is a true embodiment of the human potential to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Her remarkable journey to become the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage is a testament to her unshakable resolve, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to pushing the boundaries of what the human body can achieve.
Diana Nyad’s early life was marked by a passion for swimming. At the age of 10, she began competitive swimming and quickly distinguished herself as a talented and driven athlete. Her love for the water was nurtured by her parents, who saw her potential and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Nyad’s early experiences in the pool laid the foundation for her future accomplishments as a long-distance swimmer.
In her teenage years, Nyad’s talent continued to shine, and she competed at the national level in the United States. She became the national champion in the 200-meter backstroke, and her achievements in the pool were indicative of her extraordinary endurance and love for the water. However, as Nyad approached adulthood, she began to feel a desire to explore more than just the confines of a swimming pool. This restlessness led her to embark on a new adventure that would eventually become her life’s defining journey.
Diana Nyad’s ambitious dreams extended beyond the confines of competitive swimming. In her early 20s, she decided to explore long-distance open water swimming, a grueling and demanding discipline that required an entirely different set of skills and mindset. Her transition from the controlled environment of a pool to the unpredictable and often perilous waters of the open sea marked a pivotal moment in her life.
25 million people worldwide rooted for Diana Nyad as she reached the Florida shore, at long last achieving her 35-year-old quest of becoming the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida.
Speaking the words “Never Ever Give Up” to the wildly cheering crowd on a Key West beach on September 2, 2013, Diana demonstrated to the world the power of the human spirit.
Diana’s amazing record: 110.86 miles in 52 hours, 54 minutes, 18 seconds.
A prominent sports journalist, filing over thirty years for National Public Radio, The New York Times, and others, Diana has earned her place as one of our compelling storytellers. Her memoir, Find a Way, has earned worldwide praise. Her groundbreaking OpEd piece on her childhood sexual abuse for The New York Times drew a passionate response from around the world.
Also a uniquely entertaining and inspiring public speaker, Diana Nyad has now fulfilled another lifelong dream, bringing her performance of her play “The Swimmer” to the storied off-Broadway Minetta Lane Theater. The show played to sold-out crowds in September 2019.
Diana’s best friend and Cuba Swim expedition leader Bonnie Stoll have further collaborated with their nationwide walking initiative EverWalk, sparking America to become a nation of walkers.
And EverWalk in turn has recently launched yet another initiative, Oceans Commit, hosting walks along our shorelines, asking individuals and businesses to reduce single-use plastic.
Diana Nyad has been inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame, the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, among other Halls of Fame, and awards of distinction.
President Obama invited Diana to congratulate her in the Oval Office and then asked her to accompany him on his peace visit to Havana in 2014.
Oprah Winfrey chose Diana’s interview for her SuperSoul Sunday broadcast to be the first to extend to two hours.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Ty Bennett is the Owner & CEO of the largest Ninja Warrior Gym in the world and it’s not stopping there – soon he will have three Ninja Warrior Gyms to add to his portfolio. An active CEO and serial entrepreneur, he has built three multi-million dollar businesses in three different industries. Ty and his […]
Brett Johnson is not just a cybersecurity expert—he’s the man once dubbed by the United States Secret Service as “the Original Internet Godfather.” A former US Most Wanted cybercriminal turned trusted advisor, Brett’s life story reads like a Hollywood thriller, only it’s all true. Having built and led one of the most sophisticated cybercrime syndicates […]
Kristen Kish was born in South Korea and adopted into a family in Kentwood, MI. At a young age she showed an affinity for cooking and, prompted by her mother, attended Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago. After culinary school, Kristen spent the next ten years in Boston honing her skills in several high-profile restaurants, ultimately becoming the […]
Maja Kazazic is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, renowned for her resilience and transformational journey from being a survivor of the Bosnian genocide to a powerful advocate for the disabled community. Her experiences of overcoming unimaginable hardships, including losing her leg in a bombing at age 16, have given her insights into the power of […]
Peter Sheahan is a globally recognized thought leader, keynote speaker, and best-selling author specializing in business transformation, innovative leadership, and growth in the face of disruption. As the founder and CEO of Karrikins Group, Peter has worked with some of the world’s most prominent brands, including Apple, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft, helping them navigate change, […]
Orlando Jones Emcee is an award-winning actor, comedian, writer, and producer, celebrated for his versatile talent and expertise in technology. Founder of Legion of Creatives, he earned the first-ever Virtual Reality Emmy in 2015. Jones has collaborated extensively with digital thought leader Shelly Palmer, delving into generative AI, Web 3, and emerging technologies. A board […]
Tim Ash is an acknowledged authority on evolutionary psychology and digital marketing. He is a sought-after international keynote speaker, and the bestselling author of Unleash Your Primal Brain and Landing Page Optimization (with over 50,000 copies sold worldwide, and translated into six languages). He has been mentioned by Forbes as a Top-10 Online Marketing Expert, and by Entrepreneur Magazine […]
Adrian Gostick is an expert in corporate culture, employee relations, and human resources management. With a prolific track record of successful publications, Adrian is renowned globally as a foremost thought leader in his field. His books, including “The Best Team Wins,” “All In,” and “The Carrot Principle” (a New York Times regular bestseller), illuminate the […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
