Marathon Swimming Mortality Risk Statistics
Sports Safety Mortality Athletics
Between 1985-2016, 135 US triathlon participants died, with 70% of deaths occurring during the swim phase despite swimming being only one of three events. Marathon swimmers face disproportionate mortality risks compared to other endurance sports.
Diana Nyad Cuba-Florida Marathon Swim
Athletics Endurance Records HumanLimits
Diana Nyad achieved marathon swimming records starting with a 1975 swim around Manhattan (46 km in under 8 hours, breaking a 48-year record). Her Cuba-to-Florida attempt (178.6 km) became legendary after multiple failures and ultimate success at age 64.
Open Water Swimming Environmental Hazards
Safety Environment Sports Risk
Marathon swimmers face environmental hazards absent in pool swimming: contamination, marine life, currents, waves, temperature extremes, and weather. Paris 2024 Olympics and Diana Nyad’s experiences illustrate multiple danger categories.