For a short time this week, the world rallied behind a 61-year-old woman hoping to swim from Cuba to Florida. But Diana Nyad’s dream came to a disappointing end on Tuesday because of wind, currents and asthma problems, according to reports. After swimming for 29 hours, Nyad called it quits, 53 miles short of her destination. In spite of Nyad’s failure, commentators — and Nyad herself — have found lessons and inspiration inside of the mission. Here, the best takes:

• Chicago Sun-Times editorial: “We see a stirring triumph… So what if she missed by miles and hours? Nyad has provided baby boomers approaching Medicare with some valuable lessons on how to think about age and the limits of the body.” It concludes, “If there’s been a more inspiring athletic performance this year — harnessing an indomitable spirit to the all-too-domitable flesh — we missed it.