Never, ever give up | Diana Nyad

In the pitch-black night, stung by jellyfish, choking on salt water, singing to herself, hallucinating ... Diana Nyad just kept on swimming. And that's how she finally achieved her lifetime goal as an athlete: an extreme 100-mile swim from Cuba to Florida -- at age 64. Hear her story.
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[@NahedKashmiri]

I watched her movie in Netflix 'NYAD' and i was shocked and inspired.. she is my hero, i am 42 and i have already given up but after watching her movie i am up again after my dream . Thankyou Diana 🎉

[@rejinasanthi6721]

Me too here we will win

[@keshacovington3297]

Just finished watching the movie Nyad and I am ashamed to have never known about her amazing accomplishments 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@MikaelaAryanna]

If she can get through 53 hours in those conditions at 64, I can get through anything! So inspiring.

[@saintanonymous1]

I bet you can!

[@tranhoa553]

not 53 hours but a year

[@michaelvamper5793]

U and me both

[@homecooking5169]

Yes, I think so.

[@Henry-lb9fg]

She’s a fraud

[@ysabeldelrio943]

This is a BIG slap in my face. I'm 24, and thought I am old to study again and by the time I graduated, I'll be 30 and I may not be able to enjoy my late 20s. This is so so so inspiring.. I cried.... no visuals, just your imagination. Great story teller..

[@spaaaaace8952]

+Ysabel Del Rio I'm 23. I'm a freshman.

[@noellepingpingyou8891]

+Ysabel Del Rio I'm 27, just graduated.

[@shazigetssober2394]

+Ysabel Del Rio I understand what you mean completely. I'm 26, I will begin university for my bachelor's in September, and I've been thinking about being the oldest person in the room, because here everybody is getting a third degree by 24, 25. Let's do it together. "To be is to do". "Find a way". "Never, ever give up".

[@paoloangelino24]

+Ysabel Del Rio I'm currently 26 and just shifted my career from marketing to teaching. I need to pursue further education to increase my skills and abilities for the academe. It's never too late to follow your dreams ! We can do this! :)

[@conman2317]

As if you just stop learning after school? hahahaha you'll be in "school" your whole life.

[@adorablebelle]

This woman has dreamed in a way most young people wouldn't dare to. She is confident without being cocky. I admire her so much.

[@homecooking5169]

You are correct. Man and woman can do something as well the same.

[@hackbelly2120]

There's nothing wrong with women being cocky, I'll love her more frankly.

[@adorablebelle]

@@avamasquerade No one called the young assholes.

[@legallau6504]

I have watched this TED talk over and over and over again since 2 years ago. At that time, I was training for Hood to Coast, which is a 200 miles relay race, from the Mt. Hood to Seaside, Oregon. In this race, all teams need to run continuously. The race started, I remember I was running in the mountain with no cellphone service, it was 2:00AM, with the moonlight illuminated the road, the forest, and myself. The distance between runners were so long that we couldn't see one another. But I felt a strong light behind me, that was one of my competitors catching up, he was fast and over took me easily. What I could do was do the best to follow him but not slow down. Around 15 minutes later, he was half a miles in front of me. At that moment, the image of Diana Nyad swimming across the ocean floated in my mind, yes, Never ever give up! I began to speed up and short the distance with that fast runner...There was one and half mile left to the exchange point, I caught up with him, I over took him and arrived at the exchange point 2 minutes earlier that him. Today, I train for Boston Marathon. Every moment when I suffer from trainning, I think of Diana Nyad and her feat and her inspiring speech, thank you! Never ever give up, you could chase your dreams at any ages and you're never too old!

[@DrinkerOfWindex]

I'm glad you achieved the things you did, but she certainly did not achieve what she had claimed. She is, I'm fact, a liar.

[@tizzy6114]

how dare you discount her achievement, i pity you. @@DrinkerOfWindex

[@DrinkerOfWindex]

@@tizzy6114 Maybe do some research.

[@evekeith1335]

Until I heard this talk I had been wondering if my starting a new business at 70 should be a concern. Thank you Dana

[@automationsolution]

You should, Eve.

[@stevehecht9813]

If you think you can, you can,If you think you can't,you can't we are all programmed for failure, but designed for success!!! Find A Way!

[@abhijitpatil9519]

Steve Hecht nice comment

[@LessonsInLife]

Yes, exactly !

[@tonoburelohernandez886]

ii wholeheartedly agree

[@CookingwithQ]

this talk makes me feel like the laziest asshole ever and I love it

[@RavenJay]

Q, you are far from lazy, and an inspiration in your own right. Rock on, man...rock on!

[@NadaCero]

devchelle2 dem feels

[@mensmentalhealthreal]

Cooking with Q same thing I felt few years back before I watched this video. We are with you. Best of luck.

[@candicecaulfield9386]

😂

[@kothapallyarun]

How can you not cry watching this?

[@meowdalachow7932]

Arun Kothapally amazing

[@toploader6989]

OMG I am blown away. What an incredible woman. Wow!!! She is hugely inspirational and she is my new hero. My favourite line is when she says she is in the prime of her life at 64. She is. I love that. I love the way she kicked her way out of every obstacle in her life to achieve her dream. Brilliant.

[@kylesilvabingchrome]

Love you Ted and everyone thank you all for the things you've done for me #onelove

[@NeoDragonFlame]

This woman was part of the reason i put my thoughts and dreams into action Diana thank YOU so much.

[@seydaaydn8459]

“The journey is the main goal.” This talk almost made me cry.. I will try to remember this brave and inspiring woman and her words at every struggling moment of my life. Most thing I love was the powerfull and realistic posture behind her own words. She stands behind every single word. Really amazed.

[@robin2012ism]

I'm finding a way and she's 100% right. Mine has taken 23 years but, you know, who's counting.

[@k14michael]

+robin2012ism Yup! I like that "who's counting anyway!". You're absolutely right!

[@Me-xd7bd]

That was a story, not a talk. I listened to the entire thing, she took me on a journey. This could have been easily winning speech of Toastmasters, Champion of Public Speaking. Great speech and I expected that because this is how elderly people should be, full of wisdom and love. Life experiences to give back to others.

[@Fiona-zd5vj]

Maybe ‘elders’ would have been a better choice of words than ‘elderly people’

[@srimansrini]

Diana Nyad is a dreamer, achiever and above all wonderful human being. Here, she recounts the adventurous 100-mile plus (Cuba to Florida) swimming expedition. A great inspiring tale of never ever give up. Highly recommended.

[@cartergomez5390]

Don't forget to share it with your friends!

[@thomasofthecarr]

This is the first youtube video i have ever read the comments and all of them are positive, no hate, no racism, no sexism, no insulting - just inspiration... that is a testament to the power of this talk if ever there was one!

[@E5Bobby]

I've heard a couple people say that what she did was "selfish" and that it cost an enormous amount of money just to help one person accomplish her life's dream. Yes, it did cost a TON of money but to say that it was "selfish" is so, well, I would say "ignorant" that it's downright sad. Ms. Nyad is an incredible inspiration to anyone who has a life's dream of their own, no matter what it is. And, specifically I would imagine that there's a lot of "older" women who will receive an enormous amount of inspiration from what she did. I'm a 59 year old male and I find what Ms. Nyad did just amazing - and inspirational. If I met her I would consider it a significant honor to be able to shake her hand. Her "Look what I can do." is really "Look what everyone can do" if they'll only keep on trying and never give up. Mission accomplished Ms. Nyad - Job well done! Enjoy your rest and all the accolades that come with your accomplishment: you've earned them all!

[@tokitobe2450]

It's interesting that people think that. I don't think it's selfish; maybe if i was super poor, I would have. But I see people give up on themselves past age 40, and make themselves so small at age 60. It is what kills the human spirit, causes Alzheimers, causes people to live unfulfilling, dreamless lives. THis woman putting herself out there, challenging herself, showing herself 'in her prime' at 64 really affects people's psyche. I am no longer afraid of growing old thanks to people like Diana Nyad. It's subtle, almost subconscious, but she and others like her helped imprint that people don't have to give up and think of themselves as failures and losers if they don't achieve everything by age 30. That we can still be curious and expansive well into old age. It is a great contribution.

[@NikeDattani]

Around 13:39 is the part in which she says that there's no doubt in her mind that she's in the prime of her life at 64. I had to scroll through the video to find it, and now that I did, hopefully by leaving it in this comment others don't have to make as much effort to find it!

[@brianciupka7784]

please add my own deeply heartfelt , " WOW ! ! ! " I just watched the Netflix bio pic and was crying so hard my eyes and cheeks hurt . I used to swim across a mile wide lake in the middle of the night in the early 1970s .

[@scottcohen368]

I love a great story of someone beating the norm, breaking the mold and defying the doubters. super positive. I fight an addiction which feels impossible to beat sometimes, this opens a new facet of hope.

[@joannahp7223]

Scott Cohen Wishing you the best :)

[@diganthjagadish6922]

Scott Cohen You can do it.Find your way.

[@jemartejero7536]

If we are passionate on the things that matters in our lives and apply the principle of never give up, there will be a high chance of achieving things that will contribute to our overall happiness. The speaker was wise enough to let us understand the value of doing things that matters in you and the power of believing it and not giving up on whatever circumstances that we are about to face in our journey.

[@caramelcoffees]

one of my fav ted talks. from the message to the way she sets up the narrative. the wry humour and strength of character. even the crowd is great. i always find myself coming back to this vid

[@greenjohn8030]

It is the same to me :)

[@Curlykidlife]

First time I've watched it, and first time i've heard of Diana Nyad. WOW incredible story

[@Wildevis]

She inspires us to realise we can accomplish anything we put our minds to at any age

[@CoreyChambersLA]

A powerful reminder that failures, setbacks and obstacles are stepping stones to success.

[@driesketels]

I've seen this talk already 10+ times and still get tears in my eyes the moment she see's the lights of Key West. Powerful.

[@TheRelictus]

Giving up is how you decide to try something new. You must drop unproductive methods to move forward. Some activities are not productive. Also, failing is instructive. Failure is sometimes more instructive than success. Diana's success is notable, but her failures were impressive, too. "The Journey itself was worthwhile taking" - nice.

[@jabbermocky]

As Ms. Nyad states, even a solo swimmer can't reach the distant shore without a little help from her friends. Yes, personal commitment goes a long way towards achieving difficult goals but "no woman is an island" at the end of the day. Please, people, give each other a helping hand when they need it. You will receive the same kind of help, in return, if you're very lucky and extremely stubborn.

[@anneshelley-smith2203]

What an inspiration. We're never too old to fulfill our dreams. Thank you Diana. I wish you well.

[@charlesdonahue7683]

Absolutely mind blowing! I was captivated by her every word. Two major lessons to be learned here. The first and most obvious is that you should never give up in pursuit of a dream. And the second is that no matter how beautiful the offering you can never please everyone. At the time of this comment there are over 400 dislikes of this video! That's insane.

[@sevenshinobi21]

Not just an amazing swimmer but speaker also

When Obstacles and challenges motivates you, you never give up. Have a goal and go untill you reach it!

[@MrRgarcia2010]

Very powerful oration. One of the best out there.

[@red.rose.08]

I got tears in my eyes. Love this.

[@bobbyswanson3498]

Has anyone else gotten there first inspirational tears

[@Randy1337]

:')

[@KerinaKandasamy]

Crying! She's so amazing!

[@cuteasduck6192]

My favourite line was “There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m at the prime of my life today” No empty words. This woman meant and in fact proved every. word. she. uttered.

[@spaaaaace8952]

What a woman! That's some charisma.

[@anaryasharoglu2758]

What a speech. It gave me goosebumps. Love you, respect you, NYAD!

[@vivaquitocarajo]

I love this , I'll never give up on things I want to achieve in life even if I don't get them. But I'll die knowing that I tried hard ! 🔥

[@akdo89]

wow this woman is born to be a motivational speaker or she has mastered it. REally sets herself apart from other people who gave a speech on how well she talks

[@MedEighty]

This is the third time I'm trying to comment on this and I still can't explain what I'm feeling and thinking. So, I'll just leave it at what an awesome woman.

[@MedEighty]

Oh, and she's obviously crazy. :D

[@CANADAPLOW]

MedEighty You have to be crazy to achieve great things.You have to be obsessed with it

[@writerconsidered]

keep writing then, make a 100 comments if need be.

[@bryanhuang3229]

I am sorry if this offends anyone, but is there such thing as a not crazy woman?

[@latinjazzlvr]

What an incredible feat! She is tremendously inspiring, and makes sure to give credit to her team. Can't wait for the film.

[@cjb1mil]

Inspiring story.. I admire her honesty and transparency..

[@louisecarlto]

Incredible. I sat watching this almost in tears and I'm not sure why. I don't think I've ever experienced a feeling like that. 'Inspirational' dosn't come close.

[@williamtendo7835]

Who else is here after the Netflix movie.. *Nyad*, this has reinvigorated me to keep going at 34 in a 3rd world country, the parallels of her journey & the perils of life and success will stick with me for the rest of my life.. Thanks for your courage.

[@EmilijaV]

Wow. This is incredible.

[@Da_Fonz]

How could someone dislike this video????

[@joannmossa5509]

+Da_Fonz, Trolls on the internet

[@abdulahmed456]

+Rocky Rivers or people who actually don't like the video

[@TPSTheaterClub]

They are trying to download the video I guess

[@hoanhnguyen6996]

It is a humor way of thinking.

[@huacai9536]

jellyfish wouldn't love it.

[@darnisemwhite]

this was a very good video It help me to achieve my goal and not stop at what I am doing is finishing my school work and not letting any thing stop me. Very good words to hear when you thing that all is lost and then you have a smile so bright because you know that you are doing it

[@wildgoldean]

I actually planned to bike about 50 miles from the Bronx, NY to Brewster, NY, but seeing her swim for about 110 miles from Cuba to Florida? Not only I was amazed by her stamina, determination, & perseverance, I feel even more motivated to bike that route soon. She's truly an inspiration. Failure is a part of life. You fail only when you give up. Plus, the game is never over until you win.

[@RoxyWrites]

I know her story but I needed to be reminded of it today. Human beings are capable of things we can't yet imagine. If everyone around you tells you that you cannot do something but your inner self says something else, listen to it. We are not our limitations, we are not our shadows.

[@LoanNguyen-fw8rv]

She is not only an incredible swimmer but a wonder woman. Love the way she talk Love her attitude Love her voice ( I think she can sing very well)

[@pratikshathapa924]

"none of us ever get through this life, without heartache, without turmoil, and if you believe an have faith and you can get knocked down and get back up again and you believe in perseverance as a great human quality;you find your way"

[@otter-pro]

This is a must-watch! Don't forget to see the previous TED video of hers when she had failed her attempt after jelly fish attack. She was devastated but avowed to return and not give up. And here she did it, living to her words.

[@reefprayerresin]

Brilliant talk! - She is my new hero!!! Congratulations Diana, you're an incredible inspiration. And your team. And Bonnie. :D

[@mujerindependiente8324]

As you achieve your dreams, its not about what you get. Its about what you become in achieving it. Had to write it down just in case someone needs a reminder

[@johannaminnder3509]

I loved this talk and this person so much.

[@MPOTW]

Wow, this actually the best TED talk I've seen; not only are her achievements incredible, but she is such a compelling speaker. It is one thing to have material to discuss, and another to deliver it well. 10/10

[@nguyenihc]

There's a sparkle in her eyes ; v ;

[@General4474]

how can anyone swim a 100 miles that's insane! And at 64? That's crazy. wonderwoman

[@775.-]

nice guy soon i will swim 16 km and i dont evenhave experience & without equipements..

[@775.-]

@David Townshend The sea was 10¤c so i gave up.

[@HenryStradford]

Diana Nyad: Never, ever give up

[@wiktoriaszymanska2577]

I came back here after watching "Nyad" on Netflix. What a story, what a character, what an achievement!

[@rockinrver7414]

She swims for days straight, Bonnie workouts daily for hours and I struggle to lift for an hour. Unacceptable. Thanks for your inspiration, courage, wisdom, humor, beauty. Just freaking badass and phenomenal

[@Toastmaster_5000]

she is an excellent storyteller. while i don't really have much of an interest in swimming, i think she fully earned the right to have the ego and confidence she has.

[@Wepcyy]

我々は彼女から学びを得なければいけません。 このようなコンテンツを提供してくれるTEDに感謝します。

[@cyberageal]

Please remember that if you continue to pursue your dream, then failure becomes a steppingstone to success. But if you give up, then you have truly failed.

[@mumminastea]

My new hero!!!

[@rachelgoodkind6545]

Thank you to this strong woman for being an inspiration to all of us, especially to other strong women. We are just as strong and capable as the men in the world. Believe in yourself!.

[@BrooklynCalieEarth]

She's a beast period!!! She never ever gave up💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 what a beautiful human❤❤❤💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@nitinmms]

What an inspiration you are Diana... What an incredible achievement... Jai Ho 👏👏🙏🙏

[@saririll7274]

AN AMAZING WOMAN! I'm already started crying!

[@josefinaalcudiarocha2482]

I just imagined my self in that place, in the middle of water motivated by a dream... It's pretty hard understand that you need to be brave if you really want to follow your dreams, we can see that everywhere but we can't feel and see through the effords that people had made to get into that position or place. Thanks for the inspiration and the new perspective!

[@hammieinvestigations5392]

A wonderful gift to the listener.

[@SudhanshuJain1510]

you should see her previous video where she said she will do it and here she stands today when she has done it. She is the one who said it on ted and did it. Respect for her.

[@shellywinney7115]

Wow what an incredible person 🎉

[@LunaSylph]

What an amazing woman !! One of the best TED talks ever !!

[@hanane830]

This is one of my favorite ted talks. I watch it frequently to get hyped up.

[@FreeFromWar]

I love her confidence and believe every word she says. If you REALLY want something and give it your best, it's impossible to not get what you want. She speaks with a lot of passion and conviction. One of the best women speakers.

[@SabbathSOG]

Here;s the quote from TR. It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

[@gerrynightingale9045]

**Theodore 'borrowed' most of the phraseology from the peans of 'Seneca'** ( he was familiar with written Latin and Greek and had studied all the great 'Philosophers' of antiquity)

[@PattiDobrowolski]

I am keeping this TED talk somewhere where I can watch it often. Thanks for this! You and your amazing team are awe inspiring!

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

Gosh! Relatable, funny, encouraging, real, inspirational, moving and above all, hopeful that a way will be found through struggles. Persevere, be bold and confidence will guide you through the challenge. It feels like most people would appreciate listening and internalizing what Diana has to share. "Find a way!" You can do this! Atlantic Canada during covid.

[@arlanta1]

In 2011 she said she was going to make it, and two years later, she did it

[@robertlim85]

I watch a lot of these kind of videos, but this one is special and truly inspirational.

[@freddietan3156]

Greetings from INDONESIA 🇮🇩 .. thank you DIANA for your encouragement 👍💕🙏🏻 You are Rock girl.. Congratulations, you deserved it 💪🏻🌎

[@brandygarrett8983]

First of all Diana rocks! You never fail unless you quit. We all hit a ruff patch in life from time to time and you feel like the wall is too high to get over. That's okay. If it's too high to get over, go under, around or through it if you have to. Find a way or make one. I have a phrase I wrote in a short saying, "Get Off My Runway"! "I'm taking off!" I don't say will you get off my run so I can take off. I'm not asking, I'm giving notice that, "I AM taking off". Meaning whatever is in my way won't stop me. I try to be positive but life has battered me around for the last two years. On top of this I was thinking I'm no spring chicken and I'm too old to start from ground zero again. Before I saw this video two people gave me the inspiration to, not just keep going, but to truly live. One of those people is Jesse Brisendine. (Who by the way is one of the coolest guys on the planet!) If I mentioned the other person you would know who he is, but you'd think I've flipped out. 😊 I still feel a little freaked out from time to time, but I tell my self to get up and keep going and I will find purpose and meaning for a good life. If you don't see a way, if you can't find a way, make a way because you ARE worth it! "Get off my runway!" "I'm taking off!"😊

[@vinhthinhnguyen5554]

How great this speech is!!!!! Thank you for giving me more energy.

[@cancc6620]

it feels so deep im inspired by this woman. so strong and so amazing! you are my role model undoubtedly

[@kberken]

We are only days apart in age, but Diana is definitely in the prime of her life. She inspires me. Find a way!

wow, das ist ja unglaublich - was für eine großartige Frau - und ja, mit 64 Jahren auf dem Höhepunkt des Lebens zu sein.... so geht es. Halleluja. Ja, unsere Träume machen was mit uns - nicht nur, wenn wir sie erreichen, sondern auch, wie sie uns formen und begleiten. Ich bin hin und weg von diesem Film, von dieser Frau und vor allen Dingen von ihrer Botschaft - wir können alles schaffen, IMMER und in jedem Alter. Ist das nicht der Hammer.

[@1chirurga]

THANK YOU !! Bless and prosper to everyone and everywhere !!

[@SharkyLV]

she is a great speaker. well done.

[@hoaimy45]

her words touch my heart, so magic! never give up to reach our dreams!!!! thank you!

[@carlasidhom5785]

So unbelievably inspiring. I love her spirit. 💜

[@silverlining4u]

This is my favorite TED talk. Thank you, Diana Nyad, you are a forever role model.

[@abcdabcd4058]

WOW, just WOW. Thanks for giving us all hope.

[@nisanurhatip]

This is the best thing i've ever watch. You are amazing Diana. I hope we will meet someday. And TED, thank you so much for this amazing video and the Turkish subtitles.

[@user-tw7od8ie1x]

Смотрела. Замечательный фильм. Сколько эмоций вызвал этот фильм . Рекомендую к просмотру всем. Особенно тем, кто потерял надежду.

[@mangoyacho]

I have just come across this post... 9 years after it was posted. Its fantastic! Very inspiring indeed. Ms Nyad is hilarious!

[@jayshiku]

NYAD brought me here. Phenomenal woman, Nyad.

[@samsmd]

easily one of my favourites, absolutely inspiring.