US Swimmer Diana Nyad Recognized by Cuba

Diana Nyad in Havana. Photo: cubasi.cu

HAVANA TIMES – US long distance swimmer Diana Nyad received the Order of Sporting Merit granted by the Council of State of Cuba on Saturday, in the capital.

Nyad was the first person to cross the Straits of Florida between Cuba and the USA without fins, wetsuit or protective cage, a feat she managed after four failed attempts in 1978, 2011 and two in 2012.

Accompanied by members of her support team, a visibly excited Nyad, described this award as the most profound and precious received throughout her career because of the great respect and admiration she has for the Cuban people.

The athlete stated that her next goal is to walk from California to Washington, in 2016, over three months, along with a million people, as part of a campaign to fight obesity in the USA.