Catching Up With…Elizabeth Beisel: Former Team USA Star Living Life to the Fullest
In the latest edition of “Catching Up,” Swimming World chatted with three-time Olympian, Elizabeth Beisel. The longtime member of the United States national team—and a leader in her latter years—remains active in the sport in multiple ways.
Hyperbole tends to be too freely woven into the fabric of the sport world, with words such as “phenom” and “prodigy” thrown around with ease. Selection of these descriptors should be much more prudent, time given for the athlete to grow and truly demonstrate whether he/she will emerge as an elite performer in the chosen sport.
But every once in a while, the monikers are appropriate. A youthful star will wow the world and, indeed, enjoy a breakout that not only is ahead of its time, but also foreshadows years of success. In the swimming world, Elizabeth Beisel fit this mold, and now in retirement, she continues to be closely connected with her sport in a positive manner.
A SPECIAL CAREER
Of the thousands of competitive swimmers in the United States, only a miniscule percentage will earn the opportunity to represent their nation in international competition. While several will etch themselves as longtime staples of the national team, many will get a singular chance. So, try to digest this statistic from Beisel’s career: From 2006 through her retirement in 2017, Beisel represented the U.S. at 12 consecutive international meets.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
As a 13-year-old, Beisel qualified for Team USA duty at the 2006 Pan Pacific Championships in Victoria, British Columbia. Turning 14 during the competition, Beisel placed fifth in the 200 backstroke and jumpstarted what would be a full-circle career in the Red, White and Blue. As a newcomer to the global scene, Beisel learned from—and was supported by—the likes of Margaret Hoelzer, Natalie Coughlin and Whitney Myers. Simultaneously, she forged a tightknit friendship with Cullen Jones, who emerged as a “big brother” of sorts.
Eventually, Beisel transitioned into a leadership role, and mentored younger swimmers. These days, she recognizes her good fortune and a tradition within USA Swimming: Give back, and take care of the next generation.
“I totally get it now,” she said in a recent interview. “As a 30-year-old, I think about how hard it must have been to connect with a 14-year-old. I was lucky to have all those people in my life. I was surrounded by incredible people.”
Beisel’s career was nothing short of stellar, as she qualified for three Olympiads (2008, 2012, 2016), the 2012 Games in London producing a silver medal in the 400 individual medley and a bronze medal in the 200 backstroke. There were also three medals at the World Championships, including gold in the 400 IM in 2011 in Shanghai. She added four medals at the Pan Pacific Championships.
An NCAA champion for the University of Florida, Beisel wrapped up her competitive career at the 2017 World Champs in Budapest. She was the only female swimmer to compete on the U.S. national team for 12 consecutive years.
“So many memories come to the surface when I think back,” Beisel said. “I’d say my favorite, the one that brings the most joy, was making the (2008) Olympic team at 15 (as the youngest member of the team). I was just this kid from Rhode Island, and it was such an incredible feeling. It’s probably the happiest I’ve ever been in the sport. And from the non-competitive side, I loved seeing everyone at meets, being in the warm-down pool and socializing.”
RETIREMENT LIFE
On the go during her water-based days as an athlete, Beisel has been active on several fronts in retirement. In addition to serving as an ambassador for the USA Swimming Foundation, Beisel has stayed close to the sport in a broadcasting role. Working for NBC and ESPN, she has served as an on-air analyst and on-deck interviewer for meets, including the Olympic Games, United States Olympic Trials, NCAA Championships and several conference champs.
“I love doing the on-deck interviews,” Beisel said. “I get to mingle and sustain my rapport with the athletes. I’m really wringing the towel on my career.”
Beisel has also played a major role in the fight against cancer, a disease that took the life of her father, Ted Beisel, in 2021. Partnering with Swim Across America, Beisel has been at the head of the fundraiser, “Block Cancer,” which raised more than $665,000 when the Team USA veteran became the first woman to complete the 10.4-mile swim from mainland Rhode Island to Block Island.
Racing in open-water events has allowed Beisel to satisfy her competitive urges and stay in good shape. This summer, she plans to attend men’s practices at Brown University. The offer, extended by Coach Kevin Norman, will provide the team with an up-close look at a world-class athlete, and give Beisel the chance to stay fit.
“Being an athlete, I miss some things,” she said. “I miss getting my ass kicked!”
BIG PLANS AHEAD
Late last year, Beisel announced her engagement to Jack Nichting. Nichting works for U.S. Aid and focuses on providing humanitarian assistance around the world. The couple is looking at a 2024 wedding date.
“We are moving at a glacial pace in terms of planning,” Beisel said. “We’re thinking the fall of ’24 for a date, and we’ve been hunkering down in finding a venue. I’ve always wanted a beach wedding, and Rhode Island gives us that chance. We’re grateful that we’re moving at a slow pace. It’s given us a chance to soak it all in.”
LEAVING HER MARK
When the career of Elizabeth Beisel is assessed, it is marked by greatness. Of course, excellence as an athlete stands out. Simply, her achievements are eye-popping. But she has also demonstrated brilliance as a role model who has guided rising stars and has asserted herself as a leader who carried herself with grace.
The fact that Beisel has stayed close to the swimming world is a bonus. She has emerged as a well-respected analyst and on-deck interviewer, and her work with the USA Swimming Foundation and battle against cancer should be commended.
“I love being part of this sport,” Beisel said.
The sport is lucky to have her.
Love Elizabeth. From a cute ten year old on the New England zone team through 3 Olympic Games. Wish her all the success in the world.
A great swimmer and an even better person. May the rest of her career, both in the sport and outside of it, be even more illustrious than her time in the water. She has more than earned it and she deserves it.