Diana Nyad didn't let age or doubt get in the way of her historic long-distance swim

Photo Courtesy: ABC News

Diana Nyad is my hero. She is a powerhouse of strength and inspiration.

Nyad swam 110 miles from Cuba to Florida in 53 hours. She accomplished that goal on Monday. Nyad is the first person to ever do that and without a shark cage.

At 64-years-old,  Nyad proves again to all of us women that it's never too late to accomplish your goals. This was her 5th attempt making this long distance swim. She was 28-years-old the first time she tried to make the journey.

I'm now in my 50's. I've never had a hang up about getting older. Nyad reminded me again that age really is "just a number."

When Nyad came out of the water exhausted and sunburned, she stopped to talk to the crowd of supporters, and her message was inspiring:

 "I have three messages. One is, we should never, ever give up. Two is, you're never too old to chase your dreams. Three is, it looks like a solitary sport but it's a team."




I don't know how many women I meet and they always tell me "I can't do this and I can't do that."  Stop allowing negative thoughts and doubt become the wall that holds you back.

The next time you feel that you can't do something, just remember Diana Nyad and her mantra "find a way."

Have a message for Diana Nyad?

Contact her: DianaNyad.com

News stories on Nyad:

Linda Robertson:An epic of a human spirit fulfilled at last
Diana Nyad on epic swim on CBS News