US swimmer Diana Nyad speaks during a news conference in Havana August 7, 2011. Veteran long-distance swimmer Nyad, 61, said she will set off on Sunday night to swim from Havana to Key West, Florida, in an attempt to set a world record. The 103-mile (166-kilometer) swim, which will be made without the aid of a shark cage, is expected to take her 60-65 hours. [Photo/Agencies]

HAVANA - American endurance swimmer Diana Nyad has begun her attempt become the first person to swim the Florida Straits without the aid of a shark cage.

The 61-year-old Nyad is trying to swim from Havana to the Florida Keys. She says it's been a lifelong dream and she hopes she will inspire people to live vigorously during their golden years.