Bonnie Stoll is a former professional racquetball player, personal trainer, and co-founder of EverWalk, a movement that encourages people to walk for health and adventure.
She is also known for being the best friend and coach of Diana Nyad, the legendary long-distance swimmer who achieved the feat of swimming from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage in 2013.
Jodie Foster portrays Stoll’s role in Nyad’s epic journey in the Netflix film Nyad, directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi.
Biography and Career
Stoll was born in June 1952 in Stamford, Connecticut. She grew up playing various sports and developed a passion for racquetball. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS degree in Physical Education and taught high school PE for three years. She then moved to California in 1989 and launched her successful personal trainer career “Workout Results”, with a long list of well-known clients, from Rod Stewart to Diana Ross.
Stoll met Nyad during her racquetball career and the two of them became inseparable friends and training partners. They also dated for a while but realized they were better off as friends. Stoll supported Nyad in her swimming endeavors and served as her head handler for her Cuba-to-Florida attempts. She was also Nyad’s business partner in a fitness company called BravaBody, which they ran for five years.
Parents & Siblings
Bonnie Stoll’s parents and siblings are not very well-known to the public, as she has not shared much information about them. However, based on some sources, I can provide some details about her family background.
Stoll was born in Stamford, Connecticut, in June 1952. Her parents’ names are Cindy Stoll and Dave Stoll. Her parents’ professions are currently unknown, but they seem to have supported Bonnie’s passion for sports and education.
Bonnie has three siblings: Evan, Paige, and Chad Stoll. Their ages and occupations are also unknown, but they are likely to be close to Bonnie and proud of her achievements.
EverWalk and Nyad Film
In 2016, Stoll and Nyad co-founded EverWalk, a movement that aims to inspire millions of Americans to walk regularly and enjoy the benefits of physical activity and nature. EverWalk organizes events, challenges, and initiatives to promote walking as a lifestyle and a way to connect with others and the environment. Stoll and Nyad also walk across the country and around the world, sharing their stories and motivating people to join them.
Stoll’s friendship and coaching relationship with Nyad is also the subject of the Netflix film Nyad, which was released in November 2023. The film stars Annette Bening as Nyad and Jodie Foster as Stoll, and depicts the challenges, risks, and triumphs of Nyad’s quest to swim from Cuba to Florida at the age of 64.
The film is based on Nyad’s memoir Find a Way and features stunning cinematography and performances. Stoll and Nyad were involved in the making of the film and praised the accuracy and authenticity of the portrayal.
Nyad on Netflix: The True Story of Diana Nyad and Bonnie Stoll’s Friendship
Nyad, the new biopic drama on Netflix, tells the inspiring story of Diana Nyad, the legendary long-distance swimmer who achieved her lifelong dream of swimming from Cuba to Florida at the age of 64. But the film is not only about Nyad’s incredible feat, it is also about the bond she shares with her best friend and coach, Stoll.
Who are Diana Nyad and Bonnie Stoll?
Diana Nyad is an American author, journalist, motivational speaker, and former world-class athlete. She gained national attention in the 1970s when she swam around Manhattan in record time, and from the Bahamas to Florida, setting a world record for the longest ocean swim. She also attempted to swim from Cuba to Florida several times but failed due to strong currents, storms, sharks, and deadly box jellyfish.
Bonnie Stoll is a former professional racquetball player and coach, who met Nyad when they were both teenagers at a swimming camp. They became friends and later lovers, but eventually settled on being platonic partners who supported each other through their careers and personal lives. Stoll became Nyad’s trainer and manager, helping her prepare for her swims and accompanying her on the boat during her attempts.
How did Nyad and Stoll’s friendship evolve over the years?
Nyad and Stoll’s friendship was tested by many challenges and conflicts, both on and off the water. In the film, we see how Nyad’s obsession with the Cuba-Florida swim strained their relationship, as Stoll worried about her friend’s health and safety, and sometimes disagreed with her decisions. Nyad also struggled with depression, trauma, and addiction, which affected her mood and behavior. Stoll was there for her but also had to deal with her own issues, such as her divorce and her mother’s illness.
Despite their differences and difficulties, Nyad and Stoll remained loyal and devoted to each other and never gave up on their friendship. They shared a deep connection, a sense of humor, and a passion for adventure. They also respected and admired each other’s talents and achievements. Nyad credited Stoll for being the reason she could complete her historic swim, saying that she would not have made it without her. Stoll, in turn, praised Nyad for being an inspiration and a trailblazer, saying that she was proud of her.
Are Nyad and Stoll still friends today?
Yes, Nyad and Stoll are still friends today, and they continue to work together on various projects and causes. They co-founded EverWalk, a national walking initiative that aims to inspire people to lead healthier and more active lives. They also host a podcast called The EverWalk Nation, where they talk about their experiences and interview guests from different walks of life. They also participate in charity events, such as the Swim Across America, which raises funds for cancer research.
Nyad and Stoll are also outspoken advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, as they are both openly gay. They said that they were proud of their sexuality and that they hoped to inspire other LGBTQ+ people to be themselves. They also said that they were grateful for their chosen family, which includes their friends, colleagues, and crew members, who have supported them throughout their journey.
Bonnie Stoll’s Marriage, Spouse & Children
Stoll is married to Mark Stoll and has a daughter named Erica Stoll, who is a golf executive and the wife of professional golfer Rory McIlroy. Stoll and Nyad are both openly lesbian and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. They said that they are proud of their sexuality and that they hope to inspire other LGBTQ+ people to be themselves.
Net Worth
Stoll’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, according to various sources. She earns money from her personal training business, her EverWalk venture, and her involvement in the Nyad film. She also owns a house in West Hollywood, California, where she lives with her husband and pets.
Bonnie Stoll Wiki/BIO
| Name | Bonnie Stoll |
| Date of Birth | June 1952 |
| Place of Birth | Stamford, Connecticut, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Former racquetball player, personal trainer, co-founder of EverWalk |
| Spouse | Mark Stoll |
| Children | Erica Stoll |
| Best Friend and Co-Founder | Diana Nyad |
| Portrayed by | Jodie Foster in Nyad film |
| Net Worth | $1 million (estimated) |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
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| IMDb | nm5193772 |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Trivia
- Bonnie has an Instagram account @bonniestoll, where she posts photos and videos of her walks, travels, and adventures with Nyad and others. She has over 300 followers as of November 2023.
- She also has a LinkedIn profile Stoll, where she lists her education, work experience, and skills. She has over 100 connections as of November 2023.
- Stoll has a Facebook account Bonnie, where she shares updates and news about her life and EverWalk. She has over 500 friends as of November 2023.
