Amanda Beard Biography

Amanda Beard (Irvine, California, born on October 29, 1981) is an American Olympic swimmer.

Biography

Amanda Beard made her first Olympic appearance at the 1996 games at the age of 14. She won silver medals in the 100-meter and 200-meter breaststrokes, and a gold in the medley relay. Her childlike manner captured the imagination of the media, and she was often photographed clutching her teddy bear, Harold, who joined her on the medal stand. Beard won a bronze in the 200-meter breaststroke at the 2000 Games. Beard attended the University of Arizona where she captured an individual NCAA National Championship in 2001.

In 2003 Amanda Beard became the world champion and world record holder for the 200m breaststroke. Amanda made a good showing at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Swim Trials and competed in the 2004 Olympic Games, where she won gold in the 200-meter breaststroke, her first individual gold medal. Amanda Beard also won silver in the 200-meter individual medley and finished fourth in the 100-meter breaststroke.

Amanda Beard won eight U.S. champion titles (3 times both in 200m breaststroke and 100m breaststroke, 2 times in 200m individual medley). She is 1st in world ranking of 200m breaststroke since 2003.

Amanda Beard dated South African swimmer Ryk Neethling for nearly six years, but that relationship ended in the Spring of 2005. A NASCAR fan, Beard now dates Nextel Cup Series driver Carl Edwards. She is very popular in her country and is considered a s-- symbol by many people. Amanda Beard is a spokesperson for Defenders of Wildlife and enjoys interior decorating. Both of her sisters, Leah and Taryn, are swimmers. Beard placed eighth in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Celebrity Race in 2006.

Personal bests for Amanda Beard

• 100m breaststroke: 1:07.42
• 200m breaststroke: 2:22.44 (2nd Fastest Swimmer in event)
• 200m individual medley: 2:11.70