The Swimming World Cup 2023 begins with the first leg of the tour in Berlin on October 6. World Aquatics has already unveiled its “Elite 11”, which comprises the best swimmers from around the world. Among them is a 25-year-old swimming prodigy who is a 3X NCAA Champion and a 9X NCAA All-American Champion. However, her first global recognition came at the 2022 World Cup, where she ended with a flourish.

The youngest prodigy in swimming and 2022 FINA World Cup winner Beata Nelson. She will try to safeguard her crown throughout the tour, starting with the first edition at the German capital. In an intriguing twist, she recently namedropped the NFL team associated with gymnastics GOAT Simone Biles.

Beata Nelson’s bold NFL reference ahead of Swimming World Cup 2023

Beata Nelson is at the center of World Aquatics’ promotional event for the Swimming World Cup 2023. In an effort to bring more eyeballs to the swimming World Cup, she and some of her fellow competitors visited a football game. En route to the football arena, a correspondent from World Aquatics caught up with Nelson and questioned her on her football knowledge. She was inexperienced in American football but made sure to inform where her loyalties lie. As a resident of Wisconsin, she is a fan of the Green Bay Packers.

Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles’ husband, plays for the Packers, which means he has Beata Nelson’s support. World Aquatics posted the hilarious interview on their official Instagram account story with the caption, “IS IT FOOTBALL OR SOCCER”. The viewers can vote on the correct name for the sport according to their preference.

This dichotomy in the name of the game has existed for a long time and has been a subject of much debate among the U.S. and Europe. Many expected the swimming sensation from the United States to call it football, but they were in for a surprise.

Beata Nelson’s unexpected take on the football vs. soccer debate

John Mason in the interview asked her if she was excited about her first-ever European football game. Beata Nelson had a stoic look on her face as she said, “can’t wait,” which had everyone bursting into laughter. She quickly followed it up, saying, “I’m thrilled,” in the same tone.

The swimming ace further replied, “I did a deep dive to get some more information so I can be really into the game, both my sisters grew up playing soccer, but I just haven’t followed professional soccer”. It was clear from her words that she was not a great football aficionado and did not follow the game.

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However, as an athlete, she wanted to support the football players and tried her best to learn about the game. She was busy with her last-minute training for the Swimming World Cup 2023, but that did not keep her from attending the European Soccer game in Berlin.

It showed her passion for sports and her dedication to cheer for the players. Although she does not follow American football, Beata Nelson keeps up with individual athletes’ trajectories. Could Simone Biles’ NFL husband, Jonathan Owens, be one of those athletes on her radar? Comment with your thoughts below!

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