Sandy Neilson-Bell is an American former competition swimmer, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and former world record-holder. Born Sandra Lynn Neilson on March 20, 1956, she has made significant contributions to the world of swimming and has left a lasting impact on the sport.
Neilson’s talent in the sport became evident at a young age. In 1971, she won her only Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) national championship in the 100-yard freestyle. As a student at El Monte High School, Neilson set CIF Southern Section records in 1972 for both the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle events. Her exceptional skills in the pool caught the attention of many.
She later attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she continued to excel in swimming as a member of the UCSB Gauchos swim team. Neilson became a three-time All-American and in 1977, she won both the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle national championships. Her dedication and hard work paid off as she continued to make a name for herself in the swimming community.
In 1972, at the age of 16, Neilson competed in the Summer Olympics held in Munich, Germany. Despite being ranked as the third-best American swimmer, she emerged as a formidable competitor. Neilson’s victory in the 100-meter freestyle brought her great acclaim as she defeated heavy favorites Shane Gould from Australia and her American teammate Shirley Babashoff in an Olympic record time of 58.59 seconds.
Neilson’s success didn’t stop there. She was also a member of the 4×100-meter freestyle relay and the 4×100-meter medley relay teams. Both relay teams, with Neilson’s contribution, won gold medals in world record-breaking times. Additionally, the Olympics also exposed Neilson to a harrowing experience. The Munich massacre, a terrorist attack that occurred after the swimming events, left a lasting impact on her. Neilson found solace in her teammates during those frightening moments, and the experience strengthened their bond.
After the Olympics, Neilson’s swimming career continued, and she met her current coach and husband, Dr. Keith Bell, a Texas sports psychologist, in 1984. Together, they navigated the challenges of her swimming journey. In August 1984, Bell successfully argued to the International Swimming Hall of Fame that Neilson had been retired for nine years, despite still participating in U.S. Masters Swimming. As a result, Neilson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986, recognizing her remarkable achievements in the sport.
Neilson’s dedication to swimming and her resilience are demonstrated by her participation in the 1988 and 1992 U.S. Olympic Trials. Although she missed qualifying for the 1996 Trials in the 50-meter freestyle by a mere nine one-hundredths (0.09) of a second, her determination was unwavering. Even at the age of 40, she continued to make an impact in the swimming world.
In 1996, Neilson made history as the first swimmer over 40 to be ranked in the top 25 in the world in an event, specifically the 50-meter freestyle. Her feat also earned her the honor of having USA Swimming’s comeback award named after her, the Sandy Neilson-Bell Comeback Swimmer of the Year Award. Neilson’s continued success and resilience inspire swimmers of all ages to keep pushing their limits and never give up on their dreams.
Throughout her career, Sandy Neilson-Bell has achieved extraordinary feats in the world of swimming. As a three-time Olympic gold medalist and former world record-holder, her contributions to the sport are undeniable. Neilson’s triumphs, coupled with her indomitable spirit, have left a lasting legacy in women’s swimming history.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medalist in the 100-meter freestyle
– Olympic gold medalist as a member of the 4×100-meter freestyle relay team
– Olympic gold medalist as a member of the 4×100-meter medley relay team
– Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1986