Nyad

film by Vasarhelyi and Chin [2023]

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July 22, 2026

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The film Nyad (2023) by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin chronicles Diana Nyad's historic swim from Cuba to Florida in 2013. At 64 years old, Nyad became the first person to complete this 110-mile journey without the protection of a shark cage. The film highlights her dedication and perseverance, as this was a goal she had pursued for decades, with previous attempts in 1978 and multiple failures in 2011 and 2012.1

Nyad's swim was aided by a 35-person support team. Despite some criticism regarding adherence to strict swimming guidelines, Nyad maintained that her contact with the support team was incidental and necessary for protection against jellyfish stings. The film stars Annette Bening as Diana Nyad and Jodie Foster as her coach, Bonnie Stoll. Vasarhelyi and Chin are also known for directing the 2018 documentary Free Solo.12

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- Diana Nyad
  …Shore (2013) and the biopic Nyad (2023), which starred Annette Bening in the title role and Jodie Foster as Bonnie Stoll. Nyad was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 1978 and the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
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  …Shore (2013) and the biopic Nyad (2023), which starred Annette Bening in the title role and Jodie Foster as Bonnie Stoll. Nyad was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 1978 and the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
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