In this episode of the #AskASwimPro Show, we’re in Detroit, Michigan with 3x Olympian, Elizabeth Beisel! Learn more about Elizabeth as she discusses her swimming career, Survivor, her book, and much much more!
Meet Elizabeth!
Elizabeth Lyon Beisel is an elite swimmer who specialized in backstroke and IM events. She made her first Olympic team at the age of 15 in 2008 (Beijing) and qualified in 2012 (London) as well. Elizabeth placed second in the 400m Individual Medley at the 2016 US Swimming Trials, qualifying for her third Games team.
She has won a total of nine medals in major international competition, four gold, one silver, and four bronze spanning the Games, FINA World Aquatics, and Pan Pacific Championships. She won the Silver medal in the 400m Individual Medley and Bronze in the 200m Backstroke at the 2012 Summer Games.
Elizabeth was born in Rhode Island. From the age of 12 through high school, she competed for the Bluefish Swim Club while training under coach Chuck Batchelor. She became a member of the U.S. National Team when she was 13 years old. After high school, Elizabeth competed at the University of Florida under Greg Troy.
Elizabeth Beisel’s First Book
On October 8th, Elizabeth announced that she has signed a book deal, with plans for publishing in February 2020.
“Since retiring the sport of swimming 2 years ago, I’ve finally had the chance to reflect on my career for all of its ups and downs. I started writing down my stories, & I am proud to say that today I signed with a publisher and will have a book out and in your hands by Feb 2020!”
Survivor TV Show
Elizabeth is a contestant on Season 39 of Survivor, an American TV series, Island of the Idols. The American version of the international Survivor reality competition television franchise. The American series premiered on May 31, 2000, on CBS.
After retiring from swimming, Elizabeth told CBS that she was looking to compete again. “I retired from swimming a year ago and I miss challenging myself and bringing myself to the edge. Second reason…one million dollars,” she explained.
Elizabeth also said that her social and physical game would take her to the end. “I can easily connect with people—my alliances will be strong and help carry me through the game, she said. “I can win individual Immunity due to my strength as an athlete. I’m a tough girl who will fight until the end.”
Classical Musician
Elizabeth began playing the violin at the age of 3 after being drawn to the instrument at a birthday party that featured a musical troupe. She began swimming a year later, and she was introduced to the piano as a 5-year-old. She became the youngest student of a violin teacher who followed the Suzuki method, a form of instruction that values nurturing a love of music.
Early on, Beisel’s mother, Joanie, said, “She was a better musician than swimmer.” She added, “She was always tapping on something with spoons; she never sat still. And she had amazing rhythm. Anything she picked up, she could play.” Check out this video of 2016 U.S. Swim Team Head Coach Bob Bowman and Elizabeth Beisel playing a musical duet during training camp.
“I just loved that because I just put a lot less pressure on myself in the violin,” she said. “I think in swimming, I was always ultra-competitive, but violin, it was more to have fun.”
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