Elizabeth Beisel Siblings: Getting to Know Danny Beisel
Elizabeth Lyon Beisel, born on August 18, 1992, in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, is a retired American competitive swimmer.
Shel discovered her passion for swimming at the tender age of five, initially starting as a diver before transitioning to the pool where she would excel on a global stage.
Beisel’s journey from a young talent in Rhode Island to a three-time Olympian exemplifies dedication, resilience, and a deep connection to the water that extended beyond competition into advocacy and personal milestones.
Beisel not only dominated races but also became a voice for ocean conservation and mental health in sports, authoring the book Silver Lining in 2020 to share her experiences with adversity.
Today, at 33 years old, she balances a multifaceted life as a sports commentator for NBC and ESPN, a musician playing violin, piano, and mandolin, and an ambassador for various causes.
Siblings
Elizabeth has one sibling, her younger brother Danny Beisel.
Born to parents Ted, a construction superintendent, and Joan, a former swimmer at the University of Rhode Island and an employee for American Airlines, the Beisel siblings grew up in Saunderstown, fostering a love for surfing, waterskiing, and beach outings that mirrored Elizabeth’s aquatic lifestyle.
Danny, though less publicly documented in his sister’s high-profile career, has been a constant presence in her personal narrative.
Career
At just 13, Beisel earned a spot on the U.S. National Team, a feat that foreshadowed her rapid ascent.
Training with the Bluefish Swim Club under coach Chuck Batchelor from age 12 through high school at North Kingstown High School, Beisel honed her skills in backstroke and individual medley, events that would define her international success.
Her Olympic debut came in 2008 at Beijing, where, as the youngest member of the U.S. team at 15, she placed fifth in the 200-meter backstroke and fourth in the 400-meter individual medley, announcing her arrival on the world stage.
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This early exposure fueled her drive, leading to collegiate stardom at the University of Florida, where she swam from 2010 to 2014, securing nine Southeastern Conference titles and earning the 2012 SEC Female Swimmer of the Year honor while maintaining academic excellence as a first-team Academic All-American.
Post-college, Beisel’s professional phase peaked at the 2012 London Olympics with medal-winning performances, followed by consistent national team appearances through 2017, culminating in her retirement after the FINA World Championships that year.
Beyond the pool, her career diversified into broadcasting, where she now provides expert analysis for major networks, and activism, including founding the Block Cancer swim in 2021 to raise over $800,000 for cancer research in honor of her father’s battle with the disease.
In 2020, she joined SPIRE Institute as a swimming ambassador, mentoring young athletes, and her participation in Survivor: Island of the Idols in 2019 showcased her competitive spirit in new arenas.
Married to fellow Survivor contestant Jack Nichting since 2024, Beisel’s post-retirement pursuits reflect a seamless blend of her athletic discipline with creative and philanthropic endeavors.
Accolades
At the pinnacle of her achievements stand two Olympic medals from the 2012 London Games: a silver in the 400-meter individual medley and a bronze in the 200-meter backstroke, contributions that helped the U.S. team to historic success and earned her the role of Olympic team captain in 2016.
Across major international meets, she amassed nine medals—four gold, one silver, and four bronze—including a gold in the 400-meter individual medley at the 2011 World Aquatics Championships, solidifying her as a world champion.
Her collegiate tenure at the University of Florida yielded two NCAA titles, 14 SEC titles, and the rare distinction of being the second female swimmer to receive the Gator Award for overall contributions to the athletics program.
Academic honors complemented her athletic prowess, with accolades like the 2013 Capital One Academic All-America of the Year, SEC Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and the Commissioner’s Trophy as the SEC’s high-point female athlete.
Beisel’s enduring impact was recognized in 2024 with inductions into both the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame and the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame, celebrating her as a native daughter who brought glory to her home state.
Philanthropically, her leadership in the Block Cancer initiative and ambassadorships with the USA Swimming Foundation and ocean conservation groups like Save the Bay further elevate her legacy, while her 12 consecutive years on U.S. National Teams mark the longest streak for any female swimmer in history.