Retweet of the Day - September 4, 2013

Yesterday, we briefly discussed 64-year-old Diana Nyad's historic 53 hour swim from Cuba to Florida without the aid of a shark cage. I still cannot wrap my mind around the surreal accomplishment of swimming over 100 miles for over 50 hours, notwithstanding the fact that this was done for the first time in recorded human history by a senior citizen.

Sharks...jellyfish...fatigue. I don't think Olympian Michael Phelps would take a shot at that swim, even if he were exempt from all of the doping rules in existence. Today's retweet from Paul (@Paul_Zachary) takes a satirical approach to recognizing this incredible athletic achievement while taking a swipe at our national obsession with the use of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) in sports.  ‏

"Diana Nyad just tested positive for PED's"

What's the over/under on how quickly Ms. Nyad (and just about anyone else, I would hope) would offer a "Foxtrot Yankee" to anyone trying to rain on her parade with such a suggestion? Frankly, I'd blown away even if she were on horse steroids.

I think we'd forgive A-Rod if he swam from Cuba. Some might forgive him if he swam to Cuba!

Images from http://dailynews.openwaterswimming.com

Age Ain't Nothin' But a Number

The Daily Hat Trick Chick Pic is generally intended to be eye candy for you guys. Typically, it is a collection of eye-catching pics from around the Internet of an attractive women with any direct or indirect (often very indirect) connection to sports. Today's Chick Pic is not eye candy. It is of a 64 year old woman with a swollen face.

Why would this be the subject of today's Chick Pic? Inspiration. Diana Nyad, 64, succeeded in her fifth attempt to become the first person, ever, to swim 100 miles from Cuba to Florida without the aid of a shark cage. Nyad swam for 53 hours and reached Key West Florida at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Monday.

Her first attempt to make the swim was in 1978. She made three attempts in the past two years. In her mid-60s, she got it done. I am in my late thirties. I often think about how I am physically slowing down by a step. It is sometimes deflating. Father Time is undefeated and untied. Ms. Nyad took him to a split decision after the 12th round. Her feat has lifted me up and, I have no doubt, countless others.

Diana Nyad comes ashore in Florida after swimming for 53 hours.

Image from www.grantland.com