Nyad To Address Cuba Swim Skepticism In Skype Discussion

MIAMI (CBMiami) – Record setting endurance swimmer Diana Nyad will face her critics Tuesday who have expressed skepticism over her latest achievement.

Last week, the 64-year old Nyad was the first woman to swim from Cuba to Florida without the use of a shark cage. After completing the 110 mile journey in about 53 hours, questions were raised in the swimming community on social media as to whether she got into or held onto a boat which was accompanying her.

They say she could not have picked up as much speed as she says she did from the fast-moving Gulf Stream current.

To address their concerns, Nyad will take part in a panel discussion Tuesday evening via Skype with a dozen other veteran marathon swimmers.

Another issued raised was whether she broke Some of Nyad's critics also question whether she violated the traditions of her sport — many follow strict guidelines known as the English Channel rules — by using a specialized mask and bodysuit to protect herself from jellyfish.

Nyad never said she would follow English Channel rules, and she wore a full, non-neoprene bodysuit, gloves, booties and a silicone mask at night, when jellyfish are a particular problem, and removed the suit once she got over the reef on her approach to Key West.

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