Diana Nyad’s Epic Swim Lasted 29 Hours Due to Asthma, Shoulder Pains and Rough Conditions

Diana Nyad (nydailynews.com)

Record-holder Diana Nyad, felt disappointed about not walking up on the Florida shore, after giving up at the 29th hour of swimming from Cuba.

Yet, Diana remains positive that she went as far as she could after years of relentless training and 30 years of mental preparation.  Health concerns prevented Diana from completing her epic swim, and not even the fear of swimming in the open shark infested water.

“Asthma took so much out of me,” she told CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. “I couldn’t overcome it.” (cnn.com)

Hour 3 – Nyad began experiencing pain in her right shoulder

Hour 15 –  asthma became a problem

Hour 28 – the pain was so great that she had to rest every 30 to 40 freestyle strokes, rolling onto her back to breathe. (cnn.com)

Dr. Michael Broder, her personal physician on the mission, swam up to her to monitor her  breathing and provide medication.

Congratulations on accomplishing your best, Diana!