Visiting Speaker – Amanda Beard: Finding Strength Through Struggle Seven-time Olympic Swim Medalist***Event at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
Olympic Medalist Amanda Beard will speak at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church on October 8th, about her mental health struggles starting at a young age, finding her voice over time, seeking help and learning effective coping skills. Her story reminds audiences of all ages that even the strongest people can struggle and that healing is possible. She will be speaking, with an opportunity for Q&A, from 6:30-7:30, followed by a book signing at 7:30. Books can be purchased onsite during the event from Francie & Finch.
Please register if you plan on attending by following the link HERE.
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
8550 Pioneers Blvd., Lincoln, NE
Amanda Beard is a four-time Olympian and seven-time Olympic medalist. She rose to fame as the second youngest swimmer in history to medal with one gold and two silvers. But outside the pool, she faced hidden struggles with depression, body image and self-worth.
About the Book:
In her New York Times bestselling memoir, international swimming star Amanda Beard reveals the truth about coming of age in the Olympic spotlight, the demons she battled along the way, and the newfound happiness that proved to be her greatest victory.
SHE WAS DROWNING IN PLAIN SIGHT
At the tender age of fourteen, Amanda Beard walked onto the pool deck at the Atlanta Olympics carrying her teddy bear, Harold, and left with two silvers and a gold medal. She competed in three more Olympic games, winning a total of seven medals, and enjoyed a lucrative modeling career on the side.
Yet despite her astonishing career and sex-symbol status, Amanda felt unworthy of all her success. Unaware that she was suffering from clinical depression, she hid the pain beneath a megawatt smile. In her late teens and twenties, she became bulimic, abused drugs and alcohol, and started cutting herself.
Her low self-esteem led to toxic relationships with high-profile men in the sports world. No one, not even her own parents and friends, knew about the turmoil she was going through. In these pages, she speaks frankly about her struggles with depression, the pressures to be thin, and the unhealthy relationships she confused for love. In the Water They Can’t See You Cry is a raw, compelling story of a woman who gained the strength to live as bravely out of the water as she did in it.