Beata Nelson Fitting Right in With Cali Condors’ Dominance, Versatility; Learning From Veteran Group

Photo Courtesy: Mine Kasapoglu/ISL

Beata Nelson became one of the most decorated swimmers in the NCAA with her combination of dominance and versatility.

In her first International Swimming League (ISL) season, she has had moments of both. She has dominated in backstroke victories, but has also showcased that versatility in a plethora of events.

It has helped the Cali Condors go undefeated in ISL competition heading into the semifinals as Nelson has blended right in with the dominance/versatility combo that many of her teammates — like Caeleb Dressel, Hali Flickinger and Olivia Smoliga (to name a few) show.

“We are pretty pumped with the four wins but we are definitely looking toward the semis and finals,” Nelson said. “We are happy about and can’t wait for the next two matches.”

On Tuesday, Nelson didn’t swim the 100 backstroke and instead swam the 100 IM and 50 butterfly. It allowed her to score points in more events.

“It is meet to meet for us. Wherever I am needed is where I go,” Beata Nelson said. “I am open to swim whatever the team needs me to. I am glad I have gotten the opportunities to swim the IMs. The first couple of matches, I was just swimming the backstroke. That was fun to get back into those race, and the butterfly. It has been a while since I have gotten to do that.”

Nelson has gone head-to-head with many of the top backstrokers in the world, but the ISL has allowed her to also go up against the best butterflyers and IMers as well.

In the final match before the semifinals, Beata Nelson (2:02.51) led a 1-2 Condors finish with Hali Flickinger (2:03.02), then won the 200 IM (2:05.95) on the first day. Then, on the second day, she finished third in the 100 IM (58.60) and took fifth in the 50 butterfly (25.68). She finished eighth in the MVP standings as the Condors had five of the top eight, with Dressel earning the victory.

“It’s like a feeding frenzy,” Cali coach Jonty Skinner said after the match.

It has also allowed her to train differently for those races and learn from different teammates. She has swum alongside Smoliga in the backstroke events as teammates rather than opponents, but has also added the experience of swimming alongside Kelsi Dahlia and Flickinger in the butterfly and IM events.

“Swimming alongside the veterans has been incredible,” Beata Nelson said. “Each person provides different advice, different tips and tricks to manage a lot of racing because obviously this league is heavy racing. Hali is one of the toughest swimmers I have gotten the pleasure to swim around. She is fun and exciting. Just vibing with the team has been part of being able to get up and race. It has been awesome.”

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