Some marathon swimming experts are raising questions about Diana Nyad's record-breaking swim from Cuba to Florida. INSIDE EDITION has the story.
Did Diana Nyad cheat during her historic 110 mile swim from Cuba to Key West, Florida?
A long-distance swimmer claims he analyzed GPS data from Nyad's swim and uncovered a startling mystery. Her speed doubled from 1.5 miles an hour to three miles an hour after a gruelling 27 hours in the water.
Marathon swimmer Andrew Malinak and others are suggesting the 64-year-old grandmother hitched a ride by holding on to her team boat, or even climbing aboard.
But Nyad's support team are denouncing the cheating allegations. They say the only help Nyad got was from the the fast-moving Gulf Stream currents which cross the Florida straits.
The official observer who was with her the entire time says: "I can say unequivocally she swam every stroke without question."
Nyad is also coming under criticism for wearing a bodysuit, booties, gloves and a special mask that shielded her from jellyfish stings. They are banned by international rules. But, Nyad defenders say the mask and body suit actually hindered her.
The cheating allegations were ridiculed on the Today show.
Matt Lauer joked, "I did see one piece of footage of her spinning around. She might have been holding on the the propeller."
Al Roker said, "There are a lot of haters out there. She finally achieves something and they have to knock it down."
Diana Nyad plans to meet with the Marathon Swimming Association to lay the rumors to rest.
A spokesman said, "Diana is proud of what she and her team accomplished last week, and she is committed to complete transparency."
