In 1996, at 14 years old, Amanda Beard won the hearts of America as she walked to the Olympic starting blocks carrying her teddy bear.
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Then she won the medals – two silver (100m & 200m breaststroke) and one gold (400m MR) – in Atlanta. The second youngest Olympic gold medalist in USA Swimming history at 14 years, 296 days, Beard became the focus of media attention nation wide. "When I look back on it, it's fuzzy - like a dream,” said Beard of her first Olympic experience. “I can't really remember everything; it's just like a childhood memory to me. I didn't know too much about what was going on, I just kind of swam. Sure, there was publicity going on about me being so young, and it's really weird to be 14 and have all that stuff happening to you, but then again, you're so young and childish you sort of blow it off." Over the next three years, Beard’s body matured and her times slowed. She had been all but written off for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, winning just two national titles and dropping from second in World Ranking (’96) to as low as 67th by ‘98. Beard persevered, taking bronze in the 200m breast at the 2000 Sydney Games. “I wanted to show everybody that I stuck through it,” she said of her preparation for Sydney. “And if you follow your dreams and your heart, then it's possible. It kind of sounds a little like a gushy story, but for me it was real." Today Beard is a World Record holder in the 200m breast and an American Record holder in the 200m Individual Medley. She won a gold (200m breast) and 2 silver medals (200m IM & 400m MR) at the 2004 Olympic Games. At 23 years old, Amanda’s beautiful figure, face and brilliant eyes, make her one of the most sought after models in the Olympic movement. Since the summer of 2003, she has intermingled photo shoots for high-profile men’s and lifestyle magazines with her training schedule. She’s recently been featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition and was named ESPN.com’s “hottest female ahlete.” Following her professional swimming career, Beard would like to consider modeling full-time. She currently resides in Tucson with her two dogs, two fish and attends the University of Arizona studying Retail and Consumer sciences. She spends much of her free time working with non-profit organizations to protect endangered species and working with young swimmers around the country to help them overcome obstacles and set high goals.
