Diana Nyad Speaker Biography
Legendary Distance Swimmer & First Person to Swim from Cuba to Florida (without a shark cage!)
25 million people worldwide rooted for Diana Nyad as she approached the Florida shore, at long last achieving her 35-year-old dream of becoming the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida.
Never Ever Give Up
Diana is not one to quit. On her fifth attempt, speaking the words “Never Ever Give Up” to the wildly cheering crowd on a Key West beach on September 2, 2013, Diana may have been dazed and physically spent, but she showed the world what persistence and bold spirit can manifest. Diana stroked the amazing 110.86 miles in 52 hours, 54 minutes, 18 seconds.
NYAD on Netflix
Netflix’s film, NYAD. is based on the life of Diana Nyad, who has been one of Speaker.com’s most-booked and highly-reviewed speakers for the last 10 years. NYAD stars Annette Bening and Jodie Foster, and is directed by Academy Award winners Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi (Free Solo).
Find a Way
A worldwide response of inspiration came flooding toward Diana, from personal messages from President Obama and Hillary Clinton to literally millions of people who felt their own lives lifted with Diana’s “Find a Way” philosophy.
Motivation
Daring to reach for the stars, this swim beginning to seem impossible (after her four attempts over 35 years and other strong swimmers trying and failing since 1950), a powerful motivational keynote speaker, Diana Nyad has motivated the world at large to live fearlessly, to chase one’s dreams with unwavering commitment.
Teamwork
The second statement the victorious 64-year-old made on that Key West beach? “You’re never too old to chase your dreams.” And her third statement on that historic day: “It looks a solitary sport, but it’s a TEAM.” Courage, bold vision, and the ability to articulate her philosophies have propelled Diana through an inspiring life.
Media
A prominent sports journalist, filing for National Public Radio, ABC’s Wide World of Sports, The New York Times and others, Diana has carved her place as one of our compelling storytellers and sought-after public speakers.
Stage Show
In September, 2019, Diana’s stage show “The Swimmer” played to sold-out audiences at the storied Minetta Lane Theater in New York City. And the play is now being courted at other off-Broadway theaters for 2021.
Movie
Nyad is slated for 2022 release as a feature film, the inimitable Annette Bening signed to play Diana. The film will also star Jodie Foster. It has worldwide distribution on Netflix.
Memoir
Diana’s memoir, Find a Way, has earned worldwide praise. She has written three other books and speaks French and Spanish fluently.
Activism
Strong woman speaker Diana Nyad and her Cuba Swim Head Handler Bonnie Stoll have launched an initiative called EverWalk, to lead us walking along the epic outdoor corridors of America. Diana and Bonnie intend to turn us into a nation of millions of walkers. And Diana is yet again dreaming big, leading a million swimmers and walkers (Swimmers Commit, EverWalkers Commit) June 2020 from Miami to Washington, DC, in a push for American companies and individuals to reduce single use plastics in our businesses and our homes.
Diana Nyad Speaking Topics
The Diana Nyad Story: How I Did It
Get ready to dive in for an adventure of a life time. Diana gives a detailed account of her accomplishments and what it took for her to become one of the most celebrated athletes in the world. Her ability to overcome challenges will be an inspiration to all. Please make sure to book one of the most motivational women speakers available.
What Swimming 110 Miles in Shark-Infested Waters Taught Me About Teamwork
At the age of 64, Diana Nyad emerged onto the sands of Key West after swimming from Cuba to Florida in an epic feat of both endurance and human will. From the dedicated crew who navigated the waters to the expert nutritionists who fueled her body to the motivational coaches who kept her spirits high, Diana credits her success to the unwavering synergy of her team. In this conversation, Diana shares powerful examples of teamwork from her years-long pursuit of this goal while also discussing how to assemble a high-performance team and how to face challenges with a resilient mindset.
Breaking Barriers
Dare to Be Superior
Never Ever Give Up
Diana Nyad Videos
Diana Nyad Articles
Diana Nyad Speaker Testimonials
Both following and at both airports (even in San Diego when I landed a woman came up and introduced herself as being from APC), the feedback that I received on Diana Nyad was that she was the absolute best speaker. The gal in San Diego (and I didn’t even ask her) said, “I have never heard a speaker as powerful as Diana Nyad. She is a storyteller, so articulate, yet funny, real and I was blown away.”
- | Diversified Business Communications
"I literally went through a roller coaster of emotions listening to her speak. In my opinion, she is the most inspirational speaker I've ever listened to. Also as we all know there are two parts to a speech: content and delivery. She nailed both!"
- | Bank of America
“Diana was fantastic and truly one of the most dynamic and energizing people I’ve ever met. Her almost 90-minute presentation was awesome and there was, of course, a rousing and heartfelt standing ovation. No surprise there! We had a long line for the book signing as well! What a remarkable person!!"
- | University of California, Santa Barbara
