Amanda Beard

Amanda Beard is a former competitive swimmer who made her Olympic debut at age 14, becoming the second youngest swimmer in history to medal, with one gold and two silver medals. Over a 12-year span, Beard competed in multiple Summer Olympics, earning a total of seven Olympic medals: two gold, four silver, and one bronze. She secured eight USA Swimming national titles and held the FINA world record and World Champion title for the 200-meter breaststroke. Beard served twice as captain of the USA Olympic Swimming Team and contributed to the history of competitive swimming.

Beard's accomplishments extend beyond the Olympics, with 21 medals in major international competitions, including the World Championships, Pan Pacific Championships, and Summer Universiade. While attending the University of Arizona, she won an individual NCAA Division I championship and broke the world record in the 200-meter breaststroke.

After retiring from competitive swimming, Beard became a motivational speaker and advocate for mental health and athlete wellness, frequently addressing topics such as overcoming adversity and resilience. She is a speaker at corporate and educational events, sharing insights from her athletic career and personal experiences. Beard has also worked as a brand representative and nonprofit advisor. Her media presence includes modeling for FHM, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, and Playboy magazine, as well as television appearances such as the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Celebrity car race and a GoDaddy commercial. Beard served as a correspondent for Fox Network's The Best Damn Sports Show Period and as a spokeswoman for Defenders of Wildlife.

Beard co-authored the New York Times bestseller "In the Water They Can't See You Cry," detailing her experiences with body dysmorphia, self-mutilation, depression, drug use, and dyslexia. She is a vegetarian and has participated in anti-fur campaigns for PETA.

Beard is the co-founder of Beard Swim Co., a learn-to-swim program focused on water safety for children. Her ongoing work as a speaker, author, and entrepreneur underscores her commitment to empowering others and promoting wellness within the swimming community and beyond.