Olympic swimming legend Amanda Beard will share her story of mental health and recovery with the Lincoln community Thursday evening as part of Mental Illness Awareness Week. Beard’s presentation, “Finding Strength Through Struggle,” will focus on her experiences with depression, body image, self-worth and seeking professional help.
Beard won seven Olympic medals during a career that included four consecutive Olympic Games. She first gained international attention at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where the 14-year-old won one gold and two silver medals.
Her memoir, In the Water They Can’t See You Cry, details her struggles with depression, anorexia, bulimia and self-injury, as well as her journey toward recovery. Beard now travels the country speaking about mental health and the stigma that can prevent people from seeking help.
The event is free and includes a mental health resource fair with resources available in the community before and after the event.
Beard’s presentation begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a book signing at 7:30.