Community Education Sports

Former Olympian’s Gig Harbor swim school now part of national chain

Seven-time Olympic medalist Amanda Beard has sold her interest in the Gig Harbor swim school named after her.

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Beard, now an assistant swimming coach at the University of Arizona, founded the school on Point Fosdick Drive in 2017. It is now called Emler Swim School of Gig Harbor.

The Gig Harbor school did not return calls seeking more information.

The swim school made the announcement on social media on Dec. 15. 

Emler Swim School has been in business for more than 50 years and is based in Texas, according to its website. The nationwide chain operates more than 50 swim schools in Texas, California, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Virginia, Colorado, New Jersey and three locations in Washington, according to the website. 

Beard won her first gold medal when she was 14, the second-youngest swimmer in history to earn a medal, according to her bio. She won eight USA Swimming national titles and holds the world record in the 200 meter breaststroke.

Amanda Beard

The Gig Harbor swim school focuses on water safety for children. Beard accepted an assistant coaching position for the University of Arizona swimming and diving teams in 2023. 

Beard’s position at the university brought her back full circle to her alma mater, which enshrined her in its Hall of Fame in 2008.