U.S. swimmer Diana Nyad abandons Cuba-U.S. swim

[News_Editor]

U.S. swimmer Diana Nyad abandons Cuba-U.S. swim

2011-09-25 23:58:46 GMT+7 (ICT)

STRAITS OF FLORIDA (BNO NEWS) -- American swimmer Diana Nyad was forced on Sunday to abandon her attempt to swim from Cuba to Florida after being stung twice by dangerous jellyfish.

Nyad, 62, began her swim on late Friday from the Cuban capital of Havana. After swimming more than 67 nautical miles (124 kilometers) in just over 40 hours, Nyad decided to end her attempt at around 11 a.m. local time on Sunday. The total swim was to be about 103 miles (166 kilometers).

"The medical team said I should not go another two nights in the water and risk additional likely Man-of-War stings which could have a long term cumulative effect on my body," said Nyad, who suffered two Portuguese Man-of-War stings during her attempt.

She added: "But for each of us, isn't life about determining your own finish line? This journey has always been about reaching your own other shore no matter what it is, and that dream continues."

Nyad first attempted to swim from Cuba to Florida in August 1978 but gave up after 42 hours due to strong winds and large swells which slammed her against the steel shark cage she was using. She again tried to make the swim in August, without shark cage, but gave up after an asthma attack.

The Los Angeles woman has set a number of world records, including a record for circling Manhattan Island for nearly eight hours in 1975. Nyad was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1986 and the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2003.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-09-25

[lifeisthefun]

Can't she catch a flight or something?

[Tywais]

Can't she catch a flight or something?

It would have to be the long way about via another country.

"The US government bans flights between the US and Cuba, and all flights to and from Cuba are forbidden from using US airspace."

Anyway, cudos to her for the attempt. 62 years old!

[geriatrickid]

Can't she catch a flight or something?

It would have to be the long way about via another country.

"The US government bans flights between the US and Cuba, and all flights to and from Cuba are forbidden from using US airspace."

Anyway, cudos to her for the attempt. 62 years old!

Excuse me, but there is indeed regularly scheduled jet aircraft service from the USA to Cuba. Charter companies provide the service;

- Island Tours from Washington D.C.

- Xael Charters from Tampa

- ABC Charters from Tampa

- Airline Brokers Co. from Fort Lauderdale and Miami (This is a known reputable firm in the charter industry.)

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