Keith Beavers

Infobox Swimmer
swimmername = Keith Beavers

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fullname = Keith Beavers
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nationality = CAN
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birthdate =birth date and age|1983|02|09
birthplace =London, Ontario, Canada
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height = height|m=1.86
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Keith Beavers (born February 9, 1983) was born in London, Ontario and grew up in the small town of Orangeville, attending Mono and Amaranth Public School. He is a backstroke and medley swimmer from Canada, who competed for his native country at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. Keith is a Masters student at the University of Waterloo, who is currently working on his Masters in the subject of cardiovascular physiology. He emerged as one of Canada's brightest young stars in 2002 when he won the bronze medal, and broke the Canadian record in the men's 200 m backstroke at the 2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships. In 2003, Beavers came back to lower the mark once again in April at the U.S. Nationals clocking 1:59.15. In 2006 at the Pan Pacific Trials he once again lowered his 200 m backstroke record to 1:58.97 He began his swimming career with the Dorado Stars Swim Club in Caledon, Ontario.

Another career highlight was at the US Open when he upset double Olympic backstroke champion Lenny Krayzelburg of the United States for the gold in the 200 m backstroke. His sister Lindsay was also a national team swimmer.

In 2004, Beavers had already pre-qualified for the 2004 Summer Olympics in the 200 back with his performance at 2003 World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona, Spain. He made the cut at Olympic Trials by placing first in the 400 m individual medley, clocking 4:17.65. Beavers, who represents the Region of Waterloo Swim club under coach Bud McAllister, was encouraged by his parents Don and Arlene to start swimming lessons at the age of six.

In 2008, Beavers qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing in the 200 back and 400 IM at the Olympic Trials in Montreal. Beavers was once again representing the Region of Waterloo Swim club under coach Dean Boles. He placed 7th in the 200 IM. Keith has announced his retirement from international competition, and is considering Medical School. Keith is currently dating Laura Chalmers.

External links

* [http://www.swimming.ca/Team_Equipe/index_e.aspx?DetailId=1750 Team Canada profile]
* Profile on [http://www.swimpassion.net/Athletes/keithbeavers.html SwimPassion.net]

References