Sandra Neilson-Bell

Sandy holding her three gold medals

Do you like to get in the water and race your hardest? I know someone who does, she is my swim team coach, Olympic gold medalist and most importantly my hero, Sandra Neilson-Bell.

Sandy was born on March 20,1956 in Burbank, California. She coaches the Westover Wild Orcas (my swim team) and has won three gold medals in the 1972 Munich Olympics when she was only 16 years old. Coach Sandy started swimming at a young age and got into a masters team when she was 10. After the Olympics, Sandy retired and then came back 12 years later. She even tried to qualify for the Olympic team again, she just missed by two points. Because of this Sandy won the ‘Comeback Swimmer of the Year ‘award. This award is now named after her!

Sandy being awarded one of her olympic gold medals

Coach Sandy is important to me because she is my swim team coach and she helps not only children learn how to swim better, but grown-ups too. My favorite things about her are that she always has a smile on her face and her number one rule for swimming is always to have fun! Coach Sandy is my hero because she has taught me to be brave and persevere just like she has. One time on the first day of practice I was feeling really shy and nervous to swim with everyone. Coach Sandy came over to me and asked what was wrong. She told me it was okay and to go home, get a good night's rest and come back the next day. It was just what I needed to hear and it helped me feel better when I got nervous before practice. Another thing Coach Sandy does is she always encourages us to work on beating our own times. That way we know we are getting better as swimmers. She says that personal best ribbons are even better than place ribbons in a swim meet. I feel proud when I know I have done my best!

I bet Coach Sandy is a hero to everyone on my swim team. I am so glad to have her as my swim team Coach. All of the things you heard in this essay about Coach Sandy are true. Always remember that a hero is someone that inspires you and that is why Coach Sandy is my hero! I can’t wait for next season to start!