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The original item was published from 10/27/2023 10:20:50 AM to 10/31/2023 5:05:01 PM.

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Posted on: October 23, 2023

[ARCHIVED] City Hosts Events Honoring Diana Nyad

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The City of Key West was honored to host three events commemorating the 10-year anniversary of Diana Nyad's historic swim from Cuba to Key West.

On Saturday, residents had the chance to meet with Nyad and her “Xtreme Dream Team” at Smathers Beach, the spot where Nyad -- a celebrated author, journalist, motivational speaker, and long-distance swimmer -- came ashore in September of 2013 after a grueling 110-mile swim across the Straits of Florida.

Saturday evening, Mayor Teri Johnston hosted a reception for Nyad and her team at City Hall.  The following morning, the Turtle Hospital, with the help of Nyad and her coach and long-time friend Bonnie Stoll, released a rehabilitated turtle at the same beach location where Nyad finished her swim.

Sunday afternoon, the Tropic Cinema and Netflix hosted a film “Nyad” showing for the team, and Mayor Johnston and Bonnie Stoll held a question and answer period afterward.

At age 64 and on her fifth attempt, Nyad became the first to swim from Havana to Florida without a shark cage.  She completed the almost 111-mile trip in 52 hours and 54 minutes. 

Nyad first attempted the feat in 1978 at age 28.  More than 30 years later, she began training to try again, making two attempts in the summer of 2011 and another in August 2012.

Bonnie Teri DianaFrom Left to Right: Coach Bonnie Stoll, Mayor Teri Johnston, and Diana Nyad

Group receptionThe Xtreme Dream Team and City officials at City Hall reception

Group at plaque
The group gathered at the plaque commemorating Nyad’s historic swim following the turtle release.
turtle releaseNyad and Stoll helped the Turtle Hospital team release Rocky, a 125-pound rehabilitated sea turtle.

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