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

Diana Nyad | Inspirational Speakers