Nyad Swimming North in Record Cuba-Florida Bid

Posted August 8th, 2011 at 5:00 pm (UTC-5)
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Veteran U.S. endurance swimmer Diana Nyad is making her way through calm waters as she attempts to set a new world record with a swim between Havana, Cuba and the Florida Keys.

Nyad, who is nearly 62 years old, is hoping to accomplish what she failed to do at 28 – complete the estimated 60-hour swim. Poor weather ended her 1978 attempt in the shark-infested waters after 42 hours. Back then, Nyad used a shark cage, but this time, she is swimming without one.

Instead of a cage, Nyad will be protected by an electronic field from equipment towed by kayakers to repel the sharks. Five other boats are accompanying her as well. Nyad will have to complete the swim without a wetsuit or special equipment.

A 45-person support team is accompanying her on the journey to the United States.

Nyad planned to stop and tread water every 45 minutes for a 20-second hydration break. Every 90 minutes, she was scheduled to stop for a two-minute rest and a snack. She is not allowed to touch the support boat or to be assisted by her team.

Two days into the swim, Nyad will need to ward off hypothermia by consuming warm drinks. Despite water temperatures averaging 30 to 31 degrees Celsius, hypothermia becomes a possibility after so many hours at sea.

The U.S. athlete has called the swim a “symbolic moment” for increasing understanding between Cuba and the United States, which do not have formal diplomatic relations.

Back in 1997, Australian swimmer Susie Maroney became the first person to swim from Cuba to the U.S., although she used a shark cage. Maroney was 22 years old at the time.