Home

Swimming

Who Is Beata Nelson? – Meet the Wisconsin Girl Who Quit Gymnastics to Follow Her Swimming Dream for USA

Published 10/04/2023, 1:15 PM EDT

Follow Us

The World Aquatics Swimming World Cup is two days away. This year, the event, which will be held in German waters, will begin on October 6 and run until October 8. Interestingly, this season, 17-year-old Katie Grimes, who secured a silver at the 2022 World Aquatics Championship, and Nic Fink, who holds expertise in the breaststroke event, will represent the United States in Berlin.

Following this staunch list of swimmers, another athlete, Beata Nelson, chasing her dreams of swimming for Team USA, will be participating in the event. Interestingly, before Nelson’s participation in the event, a fascinating fact about the athlete has come to light. The 25-year-old swimmer, based in Wisconsin, quit gymnastics to pursue her dreams of swimming.

Who Is Beata Nelson?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Beata Nelson’s love for the sport began with beams and mats as the athlete developed a keen interest in gymnastics. However, at the age of 11, Nelson took a decision that changed the course of her life. The 25-year-old decided to try out for the swim team. After witnessing the swimmers showcase their best performances at the 2012 Olympic trials from the stands, Nelson’s dream of swimming for Team USA was set in stone.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Swimming stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

According to betanelson.com, “She ended a very successful high school career and decided to stay close to home and attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison.” Interestingly, Nelson’s decision to stay close to home came after her mother’s diagnosis with stage four metastatic breast cancer. During these challenging times, Nelson suffered from an eating disorder and had to frequently change her coaching staff, leading her to nearly lose her swimming dream. However, in the midst of the struggle, the athlete was able to regain her spark in her junior year of college. Since then, Beata Nelson has stood atop the podium multiple times amid clinching staunch accolades.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Beata Nelson’s swimming career

In her junior year of college, Nelson broke several NCAA records. The 25-year-old athlete also managed to win three individual Big Ten championships that year. Lastly, after gaining success in college, in 2022, Nelson, who currently holds a record in the women’s 100-meter individual medley event, emerged as the overall World Aquatics Swimming World Cup champion. After winning the 200 IM in 2:04.92, the 25-year-old athlete gained 173.7 points, surpassing Siobhan Haughey, to secure her name at the top of the list.

Also story:6 Days Before Swimming World Cup, American Sensation Kate Douglass Crowns Herself With ‘Fastest Woman’ Title

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Now, Beata Nelson, who has been training, will be defending her lucrative title at this year’s World Aquatics Swimming World Cup. The fans are also girded up to once again witness the athlete strike her magic in the waters of Germany.

Watch this story:HOW FAR IS CONTROVESIAL TRANSGENDER SWIMMER LIA THOMAS FROM BREAKING US STAR KATIE LEDECKY’S NCAA RECORDS?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Paras Jan

390Articles

One take at a time

Paras Haji is a US Sports author at Essentially Sports. She began her professional journey as a content and news publisher, which gave her valuable experience in the sports media industry. Her passion for all things Olympics, and dedication to keeping track of every competitive performance, have earned her recognition for handing over captivating articles.
Show More>