Diana Carves Out Hope With Every Stroke
Meet Diana Maynard, a spirited 53-year-old from Sheffield, who has decided to embrace her continuous journey of resilience and courage by participating in the Arla Great North Swim. As a type 1 diabetic living with visual impairment, Diana aims to inspire others and raise awareness of those facing similar challenges.
Three years after taking up triathlon and open water swimming for her 50th birthday, Diana has multiple athletic achievements under her belt already - including three marathons and a grueling 100-mile bike ride however Diana has never attempted in her words “a big swim." so this year's Great North Swim is it!
Passionate about demonstrating limitations are just steppingstones, and that there are no boundaries when it comes to chasing your dream, she plans to push her limits this weekend to give others hope. With her swim guide, Jill Corso, by her side, Diana is determined to test herself in the vast waters of Windemere, tackling the two-mile course even though by her own omission she says, “I'm not very good at swimming in very cold water.”
Talking through her experience as a visually impaired open water swimmer Diana explains “I love the freedom of being able to swim naturally and freely, even though I'm visually impaired, as long as I have a swim guide with me, open water swimming always gives me a buzz - I can't do it in the evening or I'm wide awake for hours with the adrenalin! I also like the fact that it absolutely requires a hot drink and a piece of cake or chocolate afterwards to recover!”
Diana's passion extends beyond her personal journey; she wants to raise awareness of disability swimming and sports. She feels strongly that events like the Great North Swim could amplify the voices of the disabled community, promoting inclusivity and inspiration.
Her advice to first-time participants is simple yet powerful: “What's the worst that can happen? With a safety team in place and a community ready to cheer you on, there are only opportunities to grow and stretch one's limits.”
With every stroke she takes, Diana isn't just swimming; she is carving a legacy of hope and perseverance for others. Her journey is proof that determination and courage can turn obstacles into triumphs and joy, championing the belief that anyone, regardless of their ability or disability, can achieve greatness.
The Great North Swim will be back from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June 2026 and Super Earlybird entries are open. Sign up for next year here to get our lowest entry price.