Diana Nyad is well known for her unstoppable journey and long-distance swims. The first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage over 100 miles, at the age of 64 on 2 September 2013 after 4 attempts. Her story is now featured in the Netflix biopic “Nyad.”
Table of Contents
Diana Nyad is a member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and the U.S. National Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Diana was born in NY City, on August 22, 1949. She has become a symbol of perseverance and determination, demonstrating that age and obstacles are no barriers to achieving one’s dreams.
Diana Nyad’s Biography
| Full Name | Diana Nyad |
| Real Name | Diana Winslow Sneed |
| Birth Date | August 22, 1949 |
| Birth Place | New York City |
| Age | 75 years old As of 2024 |
| Famous For | Cuba to Florida Swim, Author of “Other Shores”, “Find a Way” |
| Residence | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Atheist |
| Father | William Sneed, Aristotle Nyad |
| Mother | Lucy Winslow Curtis |
| Martial Status | Married |
| Husband | Bart Springtime |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 58 KG (128 pounds) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Social Media | Instagram and others |
| Net Worth | $5 million as 2024 |
| Updated | 2024 |
Early Life of Diana Nyad
After being adopted by her mother’s second husband, Diana Winslow Sneed took his surname, Nyad. Diana’s passion for swimming began at a young age, likely at 10. Diana moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she attended Pine Crest School. She trained under renowned coach Jack Nelson and quickly became a standout swimmer there. However, her career was put on hold after a heart infection and a case of mononucleosis forced her to quit competitive swimming at age 22.
A Return to the Water and Marathon Swimming
Nyad went back to swimming in 1971, but it was outside in the open water this time. When Diana completed her graduation in 1973 from Lake Forest College in Illinois, she set several marathon swimming records. Diana finished the 22-mile (35-km) “Bay of Naples” race in Italy, setting a new record of 8 hours, 11 minutes.
Nyad completed a 45-km swim with a new record around NY City’s Manhattan Island in 7 hours 57 minutes, breaking the previous record (set unofficially in 1927) by nearly an hour.
Diana swam 102 miles (164 km) from the Bahamian island of North Bimini to Juno Beach, Florida, in 27 hours and 30 minutes in 1979, the longest ocean swim in history.
The Ultimate Challenge: Cuba to Florida
Nyad first attempted a Cuba-to-Florida crossing in 1978, which was some 110 miles or 180 km across the Straits of Florida. But after turning 30, she gave up swimming to focus on a career in media.
Other attempts:
Later, she decided to take one other chance to achieve the goal. In 2011, Diana failed twice, she was forced to stop after some 29-30 hours in August because of an asthma attack, and in September her swim was shortened after 40 hours when she sustained painful jellyfish stings. In August 2012, a lightning storm and other obstacles caused failure in her fourth attempt after she had spent 60 hours under the water.
Diana Nyad set many goals and achievements, but she failed to achieve one of her most ambitious goals, swimming straight from Cuba to Florida without a protective shark cage. On her fifth try in 2013, when she was 64 years old, she accomplished the 110-mile swim after 53 hours of nonstop swimming.
Achieved Goal: Cuba to Florida
On September 2, 2013, at the age of 64, Nyad made another and last attempt, with a 35-person support team that included her coach and Diana Nyad spouse Bonnie Stoll. Nyad completed the epic swim after 52 hours, 54 minutes, 18.6 seconds.
Author and Motivational Speaker
Diana Nyad is the author of several books, including “Find a Way,” published in 2015, and “Other Shores,” published in 1978. Diana Nyad was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Diana’s story has inspired many individuals worldwide, and she has become a sought-after motivational speaker.
New Netflix Movie Nyad
Nyad (movie) tells the story of Diana Nyad. The “biopic Nyad”, starred Jodie Foster as Bonnie Stoll and Annette Bening in the title role. This film, released in limited theaters in October and on November 3, shows on Netflix during which she worked as a sports journalist for ABC’s Wide World of Sports.
Who is Bart Springtime?
Bart Springtime is Diana Nyad’s husband. Bart Springtime is an actor and TV producer well known for his excellent performances in the film industry.
Net Worth
Diana Nyad net worth is about $5 million as of 2024 from her career in journalism, and sports, and the author of several books.
Conclusion
The life of Diana Nyad is an unbelievable story of overcoming adversity and inspiring people. Her achievements in open-water swimming and her contributions as an author and speaker have left an indelible mark on the world. Through her example, Nyad has shown that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams and that the power of determination can overcome any obstacle.
FAQs
Is Diana Nyad married?
Yes, Diana Nyad is married but living alone as she is still single.
Is Diana Nyad wife of Bonnie Stoll?
Bonnie Stoll is the loving partner of Diana but not her husband.
Pingback: Bart Springtime: Supportive Partner, Diana Nyad Husband