Amanda Beard
Swim
H2O Lover
Swimming in my first Olympics when I was 14 meant I did a lot of growing up in the public eye. I guess you could say I’ve become a bit of a celebrity since then. Making my 4th Olympic appearance in Beijing, it’s a lot of pressure, but I’ve learned to embrace the spotlight — even enjoy the glam part that comes with it, like modeling and doing photo shoots. Being recognized helps me promote things I care aboutÑlike protecting sharks through WildAid. People fear sharks because they are so powerful. But I find their speed and grace fascinating. They go after what they want — kinda like me.
Q & A
- Where did you grow up?
- Irvine, California
- What did you do when you were younger? (Activities, anything weird or unusual?)
- Played basketball, tap, jazz and balet, softball, football, rollerhockey and paintball.
- Do you have any nicknames?
- Poos, beardo, aray, fish.
- Other than a tennis player do you have daydreams about being somebody else? Rockstar, actor, ballerina?
- I daydream about being in the secret service, hello james bond!
Date of Birth:
10/29/81
Hometown:
Newport Beach, California
Career Highlights:
- Seven Olympic medals:
- 1996 Summer Olympics
- 2000 Summer Olympics
- 2004 Summer Olympics
- 2008 Summer Olympics
- World number one ranking of 200 meter breaststrokers in 2003.
- In U.S. competition, won three 200 meter breaststroke, three 100 meter breaststroke, and two 200 meter individual medley US National titles.
