Elizabeth Beisel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth Beisel

Beisel in 2011
Personal information
Born	(1992-08-18) August 18, 1992 (age 32) Saunderstown, Rhode Island, U.S.
Height	5 ft 6 in
Weight	130 lb
Sport
Sport	Swimming
Strokes	Backstroke, individual medley
Club	Bluefish Swim Club, Gator Swim Club (Florida)
College team	University of Florida
Medal record Women's swimming Representing the United States Olympic Games Silver 2012 London 400 m medley Bronze 2012 London 200 m backstroke World Championships (LC) Gold 2011 Shanghai 400 m medley Bronze 2009 Rome 200 m backstroke Bronze 2013 Barcelona 400 m medley Pan Pacific Championships Gold 2010 Irvine 200 m backstroke Gold 2010 Irvine 400 m medley Gold 2014 Gold Coast 400 m medley Bronze 2014 Gold Coast 200 m backstroke

Elizabeth Lyon Beisel (born August 18, 1992) is an American swimmer. She is known for her skills in backstroke and individual medley events. Elizabeth has won nine medals in big international swimming competitions. These include four gold, one silver, and four bronze medals. She earned these at the Olympics, World Aquatics Championships, and Pan Pacific Championships.

Elizabeth competed in the 200-meter backstroke and 400-meter individual medley at the 2008 Summer Olympics. She finished fifth and fourth in the world. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she won a silver medal in the 400-meter individual medley. She also earned a bronze medal in the 200-meter backstroke. Elizabeth placed sixth in the 400-meter individual medley at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

On September 25, 2021, Elizabeth made history. She became the first woman to swim all the way to Block Island. This 20-kilometer swim helped raise money for cancer research.

In August 2020, SPIRE Institute and Academy chose Elizabeth to be a swimming ambassador. She joined swimmer Caeleb Dressel in representing the school. Their goal is to help young athletes become their best in sports, school, and life.

Early Life and Training

Elizabeth Beisel was born in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, in 1992. Her parents are Ted and Joan Beisel. She finished high school at North Kingstown High School in 2010.

From age 12 through high school, she swam for the Bluefish Swim Club. Her coach was Chuck Batchelor. Elizabeth joined the U.S. national swim team when she was only 13 years old.

College Swimming Career

Elizabeth received a scholarship to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. She swam for the Florida Gators team from 2011 to 2014. Her coach was Gregg Troy.

She won nine individual championships in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). In 2012, she was named the SEC Female Swimmer of the Year. Elizabeth also won NCAA individual championships. She won the 200-yard backstroke in 2012 and the 400-yard individual medley in 2013. She earned eighteen All-American honors. She was also recognized for her excellent academic performance.

International Swimming Competitions

First World Championships (2007)

At just 14 years old, Elizabeth competed in the 2007 World Championships. She reached the semi-finals and placed twelfth in the 200-meter backstroke.

Beijing Olympics (2008)

At the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials, Elizabeth finished second in two events. She was second in the 400-meter individual medley and the 200-meter backstroke.

As a 15-year-old, Elizabeth was the youngest swimmer on the U.S. Olympic team. This was for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. She had the fastest time in the first round of the 400-meter individual medley. She finished fourth in the final. In the 200-meter backstroke, she was fifth in the final.

World Championships (2009)

At the 2009 National Championships, Elizabeth swam in four events. She qualified for two finals. She won the 400-meter individual medley and the 200-meter backstroke.

At the 2009 World Aquatics Championships, Elizabeth won a bronze medal. This was in the 200-meter backstroke. She finished third in the final. In the 400-meter individual medley final, she placed fifth.

Pan Pacific Championships (2010)

At the 2010 National Championships, Elizabeth competed in two events. She placed fourth in the 400-meter individual medley. She successfully defended her national title in the 200-meter backstroke.

At the 2010 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, Elizabeth won two gold medals. Her first gold was in the 400-meter individual medley. Her second gold was in the 200-meter backstroke. These were her first international gold medals.

World Aquatics Championships (2011)

At the 2011 World Aquatics Championships in China, Elizabeth swam in two events. These were the 200-meter backstroke and the 400-meter individual medley. She finished fifth in the 200-meter backstroke final.

In her final event, the 400-meter individual medley, Elizabeth won the gold medal. She had the fastest qualifying time. This was her first individual gold medal at a World Aquatics Championships.

London Olympics (2012)

At the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, Elizabeth qualified for the U.S. Olympic team. She placed first in the 400-meter individual medley. She also qualified in the 200-meter backstroke by placing second.

At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Elizabeth earned a silver medal. She finished second in the 400-meter individual medley. She also won a bronze medal. This was for placing third in the 200-meter backstroke.

Rio Olympics (2016)

At the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, Elizabeth qualified for her third Olympic team. She placed second in the 400-meter individual medley.

In Rio de Janeiro, Elizabeth finished sixth in the final of the 400-meter individual medley.

Personal Best Times

Elizabeth has achieved impressive personal best times in her swimming career.

Involvement in LEAD Sports Summit

After her swimming career, Elizabeth became very involved with the LEAD Sports Summit. She has been part of this group since 2017. LEAD is a yearly event that connects young female athletes with Olympic champions. It is a 4-day event where they learn from experts.

Survivor Appearance

Elizabeth Beisel was one of 20 people to compete on Survivor: Island of the Idols. This was the 39th season of the reality TV show. She was chosen to visit the "Island of the Idols." There, former players gave advice to the contestants. Elizabeth lost a challenge and lost her vote at the first Tribal Council. She was voted out on day 30 of the game, placing 9th out of 20.

Elizabeth is married to Jack Nichting, who was also a contestant on Survivor season 39. They were not on the same team during the game.

See also

In Spanish: Elizabeth Beisel para niños

• List of Olympic medalists in swimming (women)
• List of University of Florida alumni
• List of University of Florida Olympians
• List of World Aquatics Championships medalists in swimming (women)