Barbara Bedford

Barbara Jane ("BJ") Bedford (born November 9, 1972 in Hanover, New Hampshire) is a former backstroke swimmer from the United States, who was a member of the American team that won the Olympic gold medal in the 4x100m Medley Relay at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Her winning teammates in that race were Megan Quann (breaststroke), Jenny Thompson (butterfly), and Dara Torres (freestyle).

Bedford was introduced to swimming by her three older brothers, whom she aspired to be like. She is the daughter of Frederick and Jane Bedford of Etna, New Hampshire. "BJ" attended Hanover High School and Kimball Union Academy, where she swam with the North Country Aquatics Club. She then attended the Peddie School in New Jersey, where she swam alongside such swimming luminaries as Nelson Diebel, Royce Sharp, Jennifer Smart, Andrew Rutherford, and Peter Wright. She later graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in art history.

Bedford was a big competitor in the 2000 Olympics, where she won the 100 meter backstroke at the Olympic Trials in Indianapolis, Indiana as well as a Gold Medal in the 4x100 meter Medley Final in Sydney, Australia. She has also earned seven U.S. National titles in the 50, 100 and 200 meter backstrokes. She also helped set a record (3:58.30) in the women's relay, breaking the record set by China at the 1994 World Championships.

Prior to the 2000 Olympics, Bedford won the bronze medal in the 1994 FINA World Aquatic Championships, becoming the 11th fastest woman in history in the 100 meter backstroke. That same year, B.J. won two golden and a silver medals at the Goodwill Games. She also captured three gold medals for swimming in the women's 100 and 200 meter backstroke at the 1995 Pan American Games, held in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

ee also

*Pan American Games records in swimming

References