We all know one.
I’m talking about someone who’s inspired us to dream the unthinkable, to ask why not, to test the limits-to Be Bold.
<a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/amatuerphotographer/10179304154/” title=”Diana Nyad swimming in NYC for Sandy relief by AndrewDallos, on Flickr”><img src=”http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/10179304154_3cbe38cd42_n.jpg” width=”240″ height=”320″ alt=”Diana Nyad swimming in NYC for Sandy relief”></a>
Jennifer Davis-Flynn recently wrote a post at Women’s Adventure Magazine titled the Top 10 Adventurous Women of 2013. These women highlighted have all achieved amazing feats. I commend them and am inspired by them. I can’t imagine swimming from Cuba to Florida in the open water, for 110 miles without any barrier from sharks. Diana Nyad accomplished this. And it was her fifth attempt. FIFTH. She is who I will think of when I hear the saying to “Never, ever, give up.” (You can check out her TED Talk here.)
Then you have Heather Anderson who smashed the record for fastest woman to thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, finishing the 2,655-mile hike in 60 days, 17 hours. I am reminded of my interview I did with thru hiker Liz Thomas, and wonder what adventures she has gotten herself into lately. Perhaps she’ll be on this list next year.
Or Becca Dennis, Sabra Purdy, Amber Valenti and Krystle Wright of the Nobody’s River Project. These ladies documented their expedition of the Amur, one of the world’s least known free flowing rivers. During their 5,000 kilometer journey through Mongolia to Russia, the women endured unforeseeable challenges that no one could have prepared for. I’m inspired by these women and their 70-day journey on the Amur, and think they should be on this list too.
Needless to say I could go on, but for now I’ll challenge you to think to yourselves, who is on your list for 2013? Are you on your list?
Photo of Diana Nyad courtesy of Andrew Dallos.
Photo of Liz Thomas courtesy of Liz Thomas.