Open Water Heroes Aren’t Like In The Movies
Katie Leigh, a kayaker for Diana Nyad, kayaked to Diana’s side three hours out of every nine on her latest attempt from Cuba to Florida. During the hours Katie was kayaking, Katie recalled that she was “in the presence of greatness.” She also learned from her kayak and the deck of a nearby escort boat that, “…greatness doesn’t look like it does in the movies. The swim appeared to be over numerous times. The sound of screams and dry heaves across the water, the frantic calls over the marine radio for oxygen, doctors and meds, the stopping and slow progress of the escort boats. These were all indications of a swim going badly…from the first time I accompanied her…she was struggling. Throughout the swim at various times, I witnessed Diana vomiting, shivering and having difficulty breathing.
Her face and lips were swelled, her stomach was upset and she was burned, chaffed and stung all over her body. Having seen Diana previously only in top form, bigger than life, happy, positive and confident, it was difficult to watch her laboring alone through this journey.”
Listen to Diana herself as she describes what she went through at a free webinar. Register here for the Tuesday, October 4th webinar at 11 am Los Angeles time, 2 pm New York time, 7 pm London time.
Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff.
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