Are you striving toward what seems like an impossible goal?
From a very young age Diana Nyad’s dream was to swim from Cuba to Florida, something no human had ever done. And, quite frankly, something that even the idea of doing would terrify the majority of human beings.
But at the age of 64, on her fifth and final attempt, Nyad successfully fulfilled her lifelong dream of completing the 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida.
It was September 2, 2013, and upon completing her grueling 53-hour journey, a breathless Nyad told the world: “I have three messages. One is, we should never ever give up. Two is, you are never too old to chase your dreams. And three is, it looks like a solitary sport, but it takes a team.”
On Thursday, January 19, 2017, Nyad will take the stage at Inman Connect New York to engage attendees with her passionate story of this heroic adventure and the extraordinary life experiences that carved her unwavering spirit.
Her journey, which she’s detailed in her 2015 memoir, Find a Way, has helped America’s most well-known leaders as they face obstacles on the way to fulfilling their dreams, including Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
Clinton said that Nyad’s story would stay with her through the general election: “When you’re facing big challenges in your life, you can think about Diana Nyad getting attacked by the lethal sting of box jellyfishes. And nearly anything else seems doable in comparison.”
Nyad has never been one to quit. In July of 2010, at the age of 60, she began her “Xtreme Dream” quest of swimming from Cuba to Florida, a task she had failed to finish thirty years previously.
When asked her motivation, she replied, “Because I’d like to prove to the other 60-year-olds that it is never too late to start your dreams.”
Nyad was unsuccessful in her quest in 2010 and tried two more times 2011 and 2012 before completing the historic swim in 2013.
Back in the 1970s, Nyad was the greatest long-distance swimmer in the world. Her world records, such as circling Manhattan Island and crossing the 102.5 miles between the Bahamas and Florida, have led to inductions to many Halls of Fame, such as the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame.
Nyad became a prominent sports broadcaster, filing compelling reports for NPR, ABC’s Wide World of Sports, Fox Sports, and The New York Times. She has written three books and speaks French and Spanish fluently.
Nyad has also earned the reputation of a uniquely passionate and entertaining public speaker, earning standing ovations with a broad spectrum of audiences.
Don’t miss Nyad’s keynote at Inman Connect New York, January 16-20, where you’ll be inspired to double down on the grit and determination it takes to turn your own vision into reality.
This session will happen only once — at Inman Connect on Wednesday, January 19, 2017 in New York. Reserve your seats now before prices go up.