News Column  Diana Nyad Conquers Florida Straits  Page 2 of 1
Long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad, on her fifth attempt to cross
the treacherous Florida Straits, completed the historic journey
Monday afternoon.  The 64-year old Nyad accomplished her life-
long dream when she staggered onto a Key West beach just before
2 p.m., becoming the first person to complete the treacherous
swim without the wave-breaking aid of a protective shark cage.
Her 110-mile voyage took 52 hours, 54 minutes and 18.6 seconds
to complete, according to Nyad's team.  The crowd at Smather's
Beach swarmed her in the water, applauding and waving American
and rainbow flags. In typical Key West fashion, conch shells
sounded. About 2,000 people gathered to witness history being
made.  Police had barricaded a section of the beach for her
arrival, but Nyad swam off course the last few hundred yards.
The crowds hustled down the beach to try and glimpse her as she
pulled herself out of the water.  Nyad dragged herself up to her
feet when it became