Diana Nyad, whose last name means water nymph, is placing herself under tremendous risk.

Risk of what?

1. Toxic shock from stings of Portuguese man-o-war and box jellyfish. These creatures can be encountered in broods of thousands where there is no escape except extreme pain. The sting of even a few Portuguese man-o-war or one box jellyfish can feel like a branding iron.

2. Dehydration. Severe dehydration can lead to all kinds of physiological problems.

3. Shark encounters.

4. Hallucinations.

5. Muscular strain and injuries.

6. Upset stomach.

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