LIA NEAL

Lia Neal, the daughter of a Chinese-American mother and African-American father, is the first woman of Black descent to swim an Olympic final for the United States as she helped win a Bronze for Team USA in the 4x100 freestyle relay in 2012. She also won a Silver medal as part of the US 2016 team.

Her journey as a swimmer started in Brooklyn, NY driving up to 45 minutes into the city every day with her mom to and from Asphalt Green, home of the only Olympic-sized pool in New York City.

She has since graduated from Stanford University and was the school's 2016-2017 team captain that led her team to its first NCAA Championship win in 19 years. Neal is excited to continue as a role model for children interested in health, sports, swimming and beating the odds. 

Lia understands the challenges kids will face to achieve their dreams, but believes in giving back to the community to help ameliorate some of those challenges and by sharing her story of resilience to inspire others.