Community Corner
RI Olympian Becomes First Woman To Complete Block Island Swim
Elizabeth Beisel completed the 10.4 mile swim in honor of her late father, Ted.
NARRAGANSETT, RI — A Rhode Island woman made history this weekend. Three-time Olympian Elizabeth Beisel became the first woman to successfully swim to Block Island Saturday, more than 10 miles from the mainland.
"I’m humbled and honored to have completed this Block Cancer swim," Beisel said. "As a child growing up in Rhode Island and swimming in the ocean along our beautiful coastline, I always dreamed of swimming to Block Island."
Beisel's swim raised money for Swim Across America, benefitting cancer research and patient programs. She swam in honor of her late father, Ted, who died in July. So far, the swim raised more than $135,000.
Find out what's happening in Narragansett-South Kingstownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"I envisioned my dad on the island waiting for me to finish with an ear-to-ear grin on his face — how proud he would be that I made it," Beisel continued. "Sadly, he passed before I could make this swim, but he knew I was going to do it and that helped sustain him during his final months. I’ll never get to hug him again, but his fight wasn’t for nothing. I know that my dad’s battle, along with the money raised by Block Cancer, will save someone’s life one day. He is smiling knowing we helped give someone and their family the most precious gift of all time."
Beisel's swim was twice delayed due to weather concerns. Despite clear weather on Saturday, she faced riptides at the Block Island finish line.
Find out what's happening in Narragansett-South Kingstownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The entire swim took 5 hours and 19 minutes. Beisel departed the mainland from Narragansett's Ocean Mist restaurant. her father's favorite. After completing the 10.4 mile swim flanked by two kayakers, two escort boats and several marine experts, she was greeted by her mother and brother on the Block Island shore.
"Elizabeth has been supporting Swim Across America for many years, even before her father’s diagnosis, so this was our opportunity to support her," said Rob Butcher, Swim Across America's CEO. "Our cancer researchers will use the Block Cancer funds for science and patient care that will hopefully save someone’s life in the future."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
