Category: Olympians, Swimming
In brief: Amanda Beard is a 4-Time Olympic Medalist and has won a Gold and two Silvers at the 1996 centennial Olympic Games. She was one of the most sought after swimmers coming into college. She passed on a lucrative endorsement career to attend Arizona.
In 1999, Amanda was ranked as low as 23rd in the 100m Breastroke and 25th in the 200m Breastroke. Amanda showed what real champions are made of, by focusing all of her talent and energy on getting back to the top. Amanda stormed the 2000 Olympic Trials by coming in second to winner Kristy Kowal in the 200m Breastroke, qualifying her for the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team. In one of the fastest fields ever, Amanda came back to the Olympics and won a Bronze medal. Her triumph and comeback was inspiring to millions of people all over the world.
Has two cats, one dog, two rabbits and four birds .... enjoys interior decorating ...sisters Leah and Taryn are swimmers...turned professional in 2001, giving up her remaining two years of college eligibility.