Swimmer Diana Nyad spreads inspiration during visit to Brooklyn school
On December 12, the students of P.S. 185 in Bay Ridge packed the school auditorium for a speech and Q & A session from historic swimmer Diana Nyad, who on August 31 became the first person successfully to swim from Cuba to Florida without the protection of a shark cage.
The children’s enthusiasm to catch a glimpse of the former member of the USA Swimming National Team was palpable. Before Nyad’s grand entrance, a tribute video was played which featured students discussing their own goals, which included becoming doctors, lawyers and athletes. They also discussed that by learning about the determined swimmer, they learned never to give up on those dreams.
Kids chanted Nyad’s name at a high decibel when she finally arrived. The personable Nyad shook hands of the avid fans. She was touched by the raucous ovation. “I’ve been to the Oval Office to meet President Obama and he congratulated me personally,” explained Nyad. “I have been able to sit down with Oprah Winfrey for two hours. Many good things have happened to me but, you know the truth? Looking in your faces and seeing your respect and desire to live a wonderful life, this day means as much to me as all those wonderful honors.”