Keynote speaker Diana Nyad inspires innovation and perseverance
Renowned swimmer Diana Nyad speaks with DermWorld Meeting News.
K001 – Keynote with Diana Nyad
Diana Nyad captivated attendees at the 2024 AAD Innovation Academy with her inspiring journey of resilience and determination during the conference’s keynote address, on Aug. 1. Known for her record-breaking swim from Cuba to Florida at the age of 64, Nyad’s story transcends traditional boundaries of sport.
In an exclusive interview with DermWorld Meeting News, Nyad acknowledged and explained the seemingly unrelated nature of her talk at AAD Innovation Academy and its universal appeal. “I have been involved in this somewhat eccentric and definitely extreme sport much of my life and, while it might seem unusual, many people relate to my story.”
During her keynote address, Nyad recounted her historic swim, a feat that took her five attempts over 35 years to achieve. Nyad detailed the physical and mental challenges she faced during those grueling hours in the water, battling exhaustion, jellyfish stings, and the relentless sun. Fifty-two hours, 54 minutes, and 18 seconds after starting her 110.86-mile journey, Nyad reached the Florida shore, speaking the words, “Never ever give up” to a wildly cheering crowd and 25 million people worldwide.
Nyad’s personal journey resonated with the audience with many overlapping core principles that underpin dermatology — persistence, resilience, and the pursuit of a higher goal. “We all have this in common: None of us ever get to live this exact day again. By midnight tonight, this day will be forever gone,” Nyad told DermWorld. “Dream big.”
Her narrative wove seamlessly into the 2024 Innovation Academy’s theme of advancing patient care through innovation and perseverance. Nyad told DermWorld, “If you set the bar low, you won’t learn anything about yourself. If you set the bar high, yeah, maybe you’ll fail, but it takes courage to fail and it becomes a discovery and a journey that you’re proud of. Then one day you make it to your destination. It’s because you decided to dig deep to find your true grit, did not accept defeat, and learned from your errors.”
By sharing her journey, Nyad reminded dermatologists of the human stories behind their work — the patients whose lives they touch and the challenges they face. Nyad’s talk was a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, inspiring attendees to approach their work with renewed determination and passion for advancing patient care. “Make this wild and special life of yours as impactful to other people and yourself as you can.”
A prominent sports journalist, filing over 30 years for National Public Radio, The New York Times, and others, Nyad has earned her place as one of our compelling storytellers. Her memoir, Find a Way, has earned worldwide praise. Her groundbreaking OpEd piece on her childhood sexual abuse for The New York Times drew a passionate response from around the world.
Nyad also fulfilled another lifelong dream, bringing her performance of her play The Swimmer to the storied off-Broadway Minetta Lane Theater. The show played to sold-out crowds in September 2019.
Nyad’s best friend and Cuba Swim expedition leader Bonnie Stoll have further collaborated with their nationwide walking initiative EverWalk, sparking America to become a nation of walkers. Nyad has been inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame, the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, among other halls of fame and awards of distinction. Recently, a successful film about Nyad was made, starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster.
