On September 2, 2013, 64-year-old Diana Nyad becomes the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without the use of a shark cage for protection. Nyad completed the 110-mile swim from Havana to Key West, through the jellyfish-and shark-infested waters of the Straits of Florida, in approximately 53 hours.
Nyad attempted the journey on August 2011 but had to end it after about 28 hours in the water, due to an extended asthma attack. The following month, had to be aborted after about 41 hours due to venomous jellyfish stings. Nyad made another bid in August 2012, but once again was forced to stop before reaching Key West due to storms and jellyfish stings.
Nyad began her last attempt at Cuba to Florida on August 31, 2013. For part of the journey, she wore a bodysuit, gloves, booties and a special mask to protect her from jellyfish. However, the mask caused her to take in a lot of saltwater, which made her vomit throughout much of the swim.
Nonetheless, on September 2, after nearly 53 hours in the open water, the 64-year-old successfully made it to Key West, where she was greeted by a crowd of supporters.
Source: History
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