Bound for Beijing

Swimmer Amanda Beard headlines a four-athlete contingent of Red Bull’s best from America when the Summer Olympic Games open this weekend in Beijing.

Beard, one of three U.S. swim team captains, qualified for her fourth Olympics in the 200-meter breaststroke and is pursuing her third gold and eighth overall medal. As a 14-year-old high school student, Beard, now 26, made her Olympic debut in 1996 at Atlanta, famously holding a teddy bear on the podium.

“Everyone thought I retired after the 2004 Olympics,” she said. “I never retired. I love it so much, and I’m still pretty good at it, so I don’t feel the need to stop. And I don’t plan on slowing down after the age of 26.”

Other Red Bull athletes off to China include: Mike Day, who’s part of the first Olympic BMX team; Jill Kitner, who overcame two knee injuries to become the first American woman to participate in BMX racing; and Todd Rogers will partner with Phil Dalhausser in beach volleyball.

Also, be sure to check out Red Bull Racing team's midseason video clip at www.redbullracingusa.com.