Long-distance swimmer, Diana Nyad made history when she swam 110 miles from Cuba to Florida over labor day weekend. Her fifth attempt since 1978, this feat made her the first person to swim the path without swim fins or a shark cage. After nearly 53 hours, she arrived in Florida where she told the crowd to never give up and that “you’re never too old to chase your dreams.” At age 64, Nyad is an inspiration to swimmers and women everywhere. In the wake of Nyad’s monumental swim, The Marquee takes a look at other inspirational women in the modern world.
1. J.K. Rowling: The mastermind behind Hogwarts, Quidditch and the term “muggles,” Rowling is renowned for writing the Harry Potter series. In 2004, Forbes named Rowling the first billionaire author. But before her success, Rowling was receiving welfare as a single mother. Now responsible for a theme park, eight movies and encouraging young people to read, Rowling truly is a self-made woman.
2. Danika Patrick: Patrick started racing cars at age 8 and hasn’t stopped since. In 2008, Patrick became the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race and later placed third in the Indianapolis 500 in 2009, the highest place ever received by a woman. When it comes to her success, Patrick says, “It just comes down to my parents not letting me feel like I was any different or like I should give myself different standards because I was a girl.”
3. Hillary Clinton: In the political realm, Clinton has made several strides for women. Having been First Lady, a U.S. Senator, Secretary of State and a popular candidate for president, Clinton has encouraged women to explore the political field. Even though she didn’t win the Democratic nomination, she came nearer than any other woman politician.
4. Oprah Winfrey: Oprah has been an influential woman for decades. Through TV, movies and books, she spreads civil rights awareness, philanthropy and women empowerment. Even though she grew up in an economically troubled area and endured many struggles, she later became the richest self-made woman in America and the richest African American of the 20th century.
5. Katie Couric: As an author, journalist and talk show host, Couric has spread awareness for cancer. She even went so far as to having a colonoscopy and mammogram completed live on television. In 2006, she became the first female solo anchor for CBS Evening News. When it comes to sexism, Couric told The Huffington Post “Sexism is so five minutes ago. I think for the most part, people accept that women are as competent as men.”
