• Submitted by: manso
• Sports
• 08 / 29 / 2010

---

Diana Nyad is about to swim 100 miles from Cuba to Key West soon, and is determined to complete the distance she attempted 30 years ago, but did not quite complete.

Nyad, 61, was 32 when she first tried to swim the distance, and said her increased resilience should aid her in completing the task this time.

"I think I have a better chance mentally, and in spirit and will, than I did before," Nyad said. "That's what it's all about out there — the will."

Nyad, who lives in Los Angeles, will spend far less time flying to Cuba than her splash across the ocean will be, which should take about 60 hours to complete.

Her exact departure date is hinged on weather conditions – there currently are several storms in the Atlantic that may impact the area over the next few days.

For safety measures professional kayakers will paddle along with Nyad that will be equipped with electric shark repelling devices, freeing Nyad from the shark cage she swam in, in 1978.

Nyad's first attempt to swim the distance ended after she swam off-course after battling strong currents and huge waves. She was lifted into a support boat after 41 hours, physically and mentally exhausted.

Last summer, during her 60th birthday Nyad she did not like prevailing perceptions of older people, and that is what is inspiring her to take this challenge.

"I want 60-year-olds to look at me and say, 'You know that silly bumper sticker '60 is the new 40?' She's proving it today," said Nyad.

Lisa Bolilvar, HAVANA (CBS4) ―

Source: http://cbs4.com/local/nyad.swim.cuba.2.1884388.html