Havana, September 1 (RHC) -— U.S. swimmer Diana Nyad was granted Cuba’s Order of Sporting Merit from the president of the Cuban Sports Institute, Cristian Jimenez, during a ceremony held Saturday in Havana.

During the ceremony, Cuban First Vice President Miguel Diaz Canel highlighted the feat by Nyad, who crossed the Florida Straits last year after previously making four failed attempts.

“Those who base their dreams on noble objectives are able to make them come true,” said the Cuban leader, who noted that such principles have also been followed by the Cuban people throughout history, with courage, resistance, unity, perseverance, trust and optimism.

Nyad, who was accompanied by her team, said the award was the most precious she has received during her sports career, given the great respect and admiration she feels towards the Cuban people.

The swimmer crossed the straits on September 2, 2013 at the age of 64, after swimming for 52 hours and 58 minutes.