Two-time Olympic medalist Elizabeth Beisel has traded the pool deck for the tour bus, joining indie rock band Judah & the Lion on a 31-city national tour as their backup violinist. The tour, which kicked off Friday, hits major venues across the country - all at least 1,000 seats - before wrapping at The Pinnacle in Nashville, the band's hometown.
Beisel, 34, won a silver and bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and was the 2011 World Champion in the 400-meter individual medley before retiring from competitive swimming in 2017. Since then, she's built a second career blending both passions - she's an Emmy-winning broadcaster and swimming analyst for NBC and ESPN, while quietly becoming known for shredding violin covers, including a viral rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the U.S. Olympic Trials. She released her debut four-song instrumental EP, "seasons," in late 2025.
Judah & the Lion, led by frontman Judah Akers, carries its own faith story in its name. The band formed at Belmont University's Christian music program in 2011, releasing a Christian worship EP, "First Fruits," before expanding into the folk-rock sound that later produced hits like "Take It All Back." Akers has said the name comes directly from "the Lion of the Tribe of Judah," a biblical title for Jesus in the book of Revelation, paired with his own first name.
Beisel's music career has continued alongside a busy 2026: she received an honorary Doctorate of Human Letters from Rhode Island College earlier this year and delivered the school's commencement address. She also leads the "Block Cancer" initiative with Swim Across America.
