Wilton Library lands world class swimmer Diana Nyad Oct. 20

In an age when people turn to social media to find encouraging messages, Wilton Library is pleased to host real-life inspiration long distance swimmer Diana Nyad on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Her engaging talk is based on her brand new book, Find A Way, which is releasing on the same day.  Nyad captivated the world with her historic open-water swim from Cuba to Florida in 2013. When the 64-year old stood on the shore of Key West after completing the 110-mile, fifty-three-hour, record-breaking swim, she said three things: “never, ever give up; you’re never too old to chase your dreams; and it looks like a solitary sport, but it takes a team.” Millions were inspired by her dedication, determination, and the will that drove her to achieve her dream—one which she had tried and failed at four times before. In Find A Way, Nyad relates her incredible life story in her own words.  

From her tumultuous upbringing in which swimming provided a refuge from her often chaotic home, she became a world-class swimmer by the end of high school.  She turned to open-water swimming in her 20s and never looked back. She swam around Manhattan in 1975 and became a star, appearing on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. A year later she made her first attempt at the Cuba-to-Florida swim; a year after that, she broke the open-ocean world record for men and women on her 30^th birthday after which she did not swim another stroke for three decades.

Nyad tells the story of how she came into her sixties and felt she had one more quest – Cuba.  Readers can find out what inspired her to pick up her sport again, and the drive, determination and teamwork it took to make her dream come true. 

Karen Danvers, program manager at Wilton Library remarked about bringing Nyad to Wilton, “Her story is about so much more than swimming – it’s about setting your mind to something and the perseverance, motivation and strength it takes to make it happen. It’s such a great message for young and old, athletes and non-athletes, someone dealing with adversity or change. There’s something in it for everyone. We’re looking forward to this very special night.”

Tickets for the event are $30 which includes two seats at the talk and a hardcover copy of Find A Way.  A portion of the book sales will benefit Wilton Library. Books will be distributed at check-in beginning at 6 p.m. on the night of the event. Additional books will be available for purchase at the program courtesy of Elm Street Books. There will be a Q&A and book signing after the talk.  To purchase tickets, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-3950, ext. 247. 

Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center.  For information, ticket purchases and directions, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org.