A British-Australian dual citizen is trying to become the first woman to swim unassisted across the Straits of Florida without the aid of a shark cage.
Penny Palfrey is a 49-year-old mother of three and grandmother of two. She is also an accomplished marathon swimmer who a year ago completed a 67-mile (108-kilometer) crossing in similar waters between the Little Cayman and Grand Cayman islands.
Australian Susie Maroney made the Cuba-to-Florida crossing in 1997 at the age of 22, but she swam with a shark cage.
American Diana Nyad made two cageless attempts last year that were cut short by asthma attacks and jellyfish stings. She plans to try again this summer.
Palfrey will attempt the 103-mile (166- kilometer) Friday morning.
