Diana Nyad is widely known for her extraordinary achievements as a long-distance swimmer, but her influence extends far beyond the water. As an accomplished American author and journalist, Nyad has inspired millions with her stories of resilience, courage, and reinvention. After accomplishing one of the greatest athletic feats in history—swimming from Cuba to Florida at the age of 64—many wonder: what is Diana Nyad doing now? This article explores her current work, literary contributions, public speaking engagements, and how she continues to motivate people around the world.
Early Life and Athletic Background
Diana Nyad was born on August 22, 1949, in New York City. Raised in Florida, she developed a passion for swimming from a young age. Her early athletic career was marked by fierce determination and record-breaking performances. Nyad gained national recognition in the 1970s when she completed several marathon swims, including a record-setting swim around Manhattan and from the Bahamas to Florida.
Despite retiring from competitive swimming in her early thirties, Nyad remained a public figure. She transitioned into journalism, writing, and broadcasting—fields in which she would also achieve considerable success. Yet, her most legendary swim was still ahead of her.
The Historic Cuba-to-Florida Swim
On September 2, 2013, at the age of 64, Diana Nyad became the first person to swim from Havana, Cuba to Key West, Florida without a shark cage. The swim took nearly 53 hours and covered approximately 110 miles across open ocean.
This feat was not just a physical triumph but a testament to perseverance. Nyad had attempted the swim multiple times over several decades, facing obstacles such as jellyfish stings, strong currents, and extreme fatigue. Her eventual success made global headlines and solidified her as an icon of endurance and determination.
The swim became a symbol of aging fearlessly and pushing boundaries, resonating with audiences far beyond the sports world.
Transition to Writing and Journalism
After retiring from swimming, Diana Nyad focused on her career as a writer and journalist. She became a respected voice in print and broadcast media, contributing to platforms such as National Public Radio (NPR), The New York Times, and Newsweek. Her journalism focused on topics including sports, health, and human perseverance.
Nyad’s writing style is known for its clarity, emotional depth, and motivational tone. She brings the same grit and honesty to her essays as she does to her athletic endeavors, often exploring themes like overcoming adversity, personal growth, and living with purpose.
Her memoirs and speaking tours have helped turn her real-life adventures into stories that uplift and educate a global audience.
Author of Inspirational Books
Diana Nyad is the author of several books, each offering unique insights into her life experiences and philosophy. Notable works include:
- “Find a Way” (2015): A deeply personal memoir that recounts her swimming career, childhood trauma, and the emotional and physical journey leading to her Cuba-to-Florida swim. The book was well-received by critics and readers alike for its vulnerability and message of perseverance.
- “Other Shores” (1981): Her earlier memoir, which explored her life as an athlete and her early swims, reflecting the mindset of a determined young woman breaking boundaries in a male-dominated world.
Through her books, Nyad has carved out a unique space where sports, literature, and self-help intersect. Her work continues to inspire readers to face challenges head-on, regardless of age or circumstance.
What is Diana Nyad Doing Now?
Diana Nyad is currently focused on writing, motivational speaking, and advocacy. She remains an active public figure and continues to use her voice to inspire change, especially in areas related to aging, athletic empowerment, and sexual abuse awareness.
Public Speaking and Motivational Tours
Nyad is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world. She regularly appears at corporate events, educational institutions, and conferences, delivering talks centered on perseverance, discipline, and reinvention.
Her signature phrase—“Find a way”—has become a mantra for many who face personal or professional hurdles. Whether addressing a boardroom of executives or a gym full of students, Nyad adapts her message to connect with audiences of all backgrounds.
She continues to book speaking engagements internationally, often using her personal story to motivate organizations striving for excellence and resilience.
Podcasting and Media Projects
In recent years, Diana Nyad has ventured into podcasting and multimedia storytelling. She has collaborated on audio projects that explore not just her swim history, but also wider topics like health, mental resilience, and finding meaning later in life.
Her voice, seasoned by decades of broadcasting, remains compelling and authoritative. These new platforms have allowed her to reach a younger, digitally engaged audience while reinforcing her message across multiple channels.
Social Impact and Advocacy Work
Beyond her career in media, Diana Nyad has dedicated time and effort to meaningful causes. One area she has spoken about courageously is childhood sexual abuse. As a survivor, Nyad uses her platform to advocate for awareness, healing, and policy change.
She supports organizations that provide resources to abuse survivors and works to break the stigma that often surrounds these conversations. Her openness has helped countless others feel seen and empowered to share their own stories.
Nyad is also a strong advocate for active aging. She frequently challenges cultural stereotypes about age, fitness, and ability—urging older adults to remain active, curious, and engaged. Her own achievements late in life serve as living proof of what’s possible beyond middle age.
The Netflix Biopic “Nyad”
In 2023, Diana Nyad’s life story reached even more people through the release of the Netflix biographical drama “Nyad.” The film starred Annette Bening as Diana Nyad and Jodie Foster as her longtime friend and coach Bonnie Stoll.
The movie dramatizes her Cuba-to-Florida swim, showcasing both the physical demands and the emotional layers behind her journey. Nyad worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure the story was portrayed authentically.
The film received critical acclaim and introduced a new generation to Nyad’s story, reinforcing her status as a modern legend in both sports and personal resilience.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Diana Nyad’s influence goes well beyond her historic swim. She represents what it means to live with boldness, integrity, and purpose. Whether through her writing, speaking, or advocacy, she has dedicated her life to motivating others to “find a way” through hardship, doubt, or failure.
Her story is often cited in discussions about perseverance, late-life achievements, and female empowerment. She has become a role model not just for athletes, but for anyone who seeks to live a more courageous and meaningful life.
Through her foundation work and ongoing projects, Nyad continues to shape conversations around courage, resilience, and pushing beyond perceived limits.
Personal Life and Reflections
Diana Nyad has spoken openly about the importance of friendship, solitude, and self-awareness in her later years. She maintains a strong bond with Bonnie Stoll, her trainer and close confidante, who played a crucial role in the success of her record-breaking swim.
Nyad has described herself as introspective, spiritual, and driven by a deep internal compass. Despite her many accolades, she remains grounded in her commitment to inspire, educate, and uplift others through storytelling.
She divides her time between writing, speaking, and engaging with the communities she supports—embracing a life that continues to evolve with meaning and impact.
Conclusion
So, what is Diana Nyad doing now? She is leading a vibrant and purposeful life as a writer, public speaker, and advocate. Her post-swimming career reflects the same courage and clarity that defined her athletic achievements. Whether through bestselling books, inspiring speeches, or socially conscious storytelling, Nyad continues to motivate individuals across the world to pursue greatness, no matter their age or obstacles.
Diana Nyad is not simply a former swimmer or journalist—she is a relentless force for good. Her legacy reminds us all that it’s never too late to dream bigger, push harder, and find a way.
FAQs
What is Diana Nyad doing now?
Diana Nyad is currently focused on writing, motivational speaking, and advocacy work, particularly in areas of aging, athletic empowerment, and sexual abuse awareness.
Did Diana Nyad really swim from Cuba to Florida?
Yes, in 2013, at age 64, she became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage.
What books has Diana Nyad written?
She authored Find a Way and Other Shores, both of which reflect on her life, career, and philosophies on endurance and purpose.
Is Diana Nyad involved in public speaking?
Yes, she is a highly sought-after motivational speaker, frequently giving keynotes at corporate, educational, and nonprofit events.
Was there a movie made about Diana Nyad?
Yes, the biographical film Nyad was released on Netflix in 2023, starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster.
Is Diana Nyad active on social issues?
Yes, she advocates for survivors of sexual abuse and promotes active aging and wellness, encouraging others to challenge limits and live fully.