Former Olympian From Rhode Island Swimming to Block Island

The Tokyo Olympic Games still seem up in the air for this summer, but a former Olympian from Rhode Island will be in the waters off Point Judith this August.

North Kingstown native Elizabeth Beisel competed in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympic Games and swam away with a silver and bronze medal during the 2012 Summer Games.

Now she is swimming the Block Island Sound to raise money and awareness for cancer research and clinical trials.

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The event, dubbed Block Cancer, is going to take place on August 30 as Beisel swims the 12.4-mile route from Point Judith, RI to Block Island, RI.

That's over 12 miles of open water non-stop and unassisted. It sounds like a sight to be seen to me.

People will be lining the beaches on both sides to catch sight of Beisel as she swims; boats will probably be following her in the water, too. Though for Beisel, more important than watching the epic swim is donating in support of it.

The goal of Block Cancer is to raise funds for cancer research and clinical trials, so every little bit helps.

Donations can be made here and at Swim Across America, which uses swim events nationwide "to support cancer research at the most highly recognized hospitals and institutions."

Her goal is to raise $25,000 for this non-profit organization and bring awareness about about this deadly disease as well – and knocking off an item from her childhood to-do list doesn't hurt either.

Beisel says swimming from Point Judith to Block Island has been something she's wanted to do since she was a little girl. A pretty impressive goal if you ask me. I just wanted to play with my Barbies when I was a little girl.

Beisel is making her dreams come true for a really good cause later this summer.

You can even start training to swim along with her and start your own fundraising.

Learn more about Block Cancer and how to get involved here.