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Busy Beard Narrows Focus to Beijing

Three-time Olympian puts endorsements aside to shoot for fourth Games

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 29, 2008 12:40 PM CDT

(Newser) – Three-time Olympian Amanda Beard has endorsements and extracurriculars to worry about, but only one thing really matters right now: this week's Olympic swimming trials. The red-carpet fixture and onetime Playboy cover model is all business as she dives into the pool of hopefuls competing to represent the US in breaststroke and individual medley, the Los Angeles Times reports.

It took Beard's new coach a while to get used to her eclectic list of commitments, which this year included a stint judging Miss America. "What? What?" Cyndi Gallagher remembers thinking, "The stuff she does is just beyond my scope of anything." But if Beard doesn't make Beijing, she can fall back on her onetime job as Playboy Mansion swim instructor.

Amanda Beard speaks in Omaha, Neb., Friday, June 27, 2008, during a news conference ahead of the Olympic swim trials which begin on Sunday.
Amanda Beard speaks in Omaha, Neb., Friday, June 27, 2008, during a news conference ahead of the Olympic swim trials which begin on Sunday.   (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Amanda Beard competes in the 200-meter breaststroke during the Santa Clara Grand Prix swim meet in Santa Clara, Calif., Friday, May 16, 2008.
Amanda Beard competes in the 200-meter breaststroke during the Santa Clara Grand Prix swim meet in Santa Clara, Calif., Friday, May 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Amanda Beard poses for a photo in Los Angeles, Thursday, June 7, 2007. There's a lot more of the 25-year-old swimmer to see in the July issue of Playboy, where Beard was on the cover.
Amanda Beard poses for a photo in Los Angeles, Thursday, June 7, 2007. There's a lot more of the 25-year-old swimmer to see in the July issue of Playboy, where Beard was on the cover.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
July 2008 cover of Playboy magazine
July 2008 cover of Playboy magazine   (Palyboy)
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