#powerfulmomentsof2013

"Malala Yousafzai becomes a symbol of peace"

"Diana Nyad swims from Cuba to Florida"

The professional distance swimmer tried to stroke her way through over 100 miles of shark- and jellyfish-infested water four times between 1978 and 2012, failing each attempt. In September on her fifth attempt, the 64-year-old Nyad finally completed her ambitious swim. Her story and success inspired her fans, whom she told: "You're never too old to chase your dreams."

Bijlee, the 58-year-old ailing elephant rescued by individuals and NGOs sometime back, died at Mulund on June 30 in Mumbai, India.

A military regiment takes part in a morning exercise on Jan. 29 in the Heilongjiang Province of China. The temperature dipped to -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit).

Turkish riot police officers take cover as Kurdish protesters shoot fireworks at them during clashes in central Istanbul on Dec. 7. Two protesters were killed on Dec. 6 in armed clashes with Turkish police that erupted over claims that Kurdish rebel cemeteries had been destroyed, local media reported.

Lightning strikes the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) in downtown Chicago, Ill., on June 12.

A general view of a tornado-ravaged neighborhood in Moore, Oklahoma. The tornado of EF5 strength and two miles-wide touched down May 20, killing at least 24 people and leaving behind extensive damage to homes and businesses.

Family, area residents and fellow firefighters attend a memorial service held at Baylor University April 25 in Waco, Texas following a fertilizer plant explosion that claimed the lives of volunteer firefighters.