On Saturday, the former Olympian swam the 10.4 miles in just under 5 hours and 20 minutes.
Beisel, a three-time Olympian, swam in honor of her late father, who passed away from cancer in July. In making the crossing, Beisel raised over $135,000 for Swim Across America. The money will benefit cancer research and patient care.
After completing the swim, Beisel reflected on her childhood and time with her dad. “As a child growing up in Rhode Island and swimming in the ocean along our beautiful coastline, I always dreamed of swimming to Block Island,” she said. “I envisioned my dad on the island waiting for me to finish with an ear-to-ear grin on his face — how proud he would be that I made it. Sadly, he passed before I could make this swim.”
Now, Beisel has made history, and–in doing so–she is a role model for young women everywhere. “That can be me one day.”
