Over a decade after her legendary swim, marathon swimmer Diana Nyad was honored this past Thursday morning with a Florida historical marker during a ceremony at Las Olas Oceanside Park in Fort Lauderdale. The event celebrated her 2013 record-breaking 111-mile swim from Cuba to Key West, which she completed at 64-years-old in 53 hours.
The celebration brought together city officials, fans and family members for heartfelt speeches and a cake decorated in her honor. It also drew celebrities, including former world tennis champion Chris Evert, a lifelong friend who has remained supportive of Nyad through each of their accomplishments.
The marker is the first in Florida to recognize a member of the LGBTQ+ community and the first to honor someone still living.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean J. Trantalis praised Nyad’s determination during the ceremony.
“Today we have a true champion — someone who somehow persevered through shark-infested waters, through climate conditions, through all kinds of things that would daunt anyone, but not Diana,” Trantalis said.
