Beard made her first Olympic appearance at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games at the age of 14, while still a student at Irvine High School in Irvine, California. Her youth and shy manner captured the attention of the media, and she was often photographed clutching her teddy bear, even on the medal stand.

Beard became the second-youngest Olympic medalist in American swimming history.

Amanda attended the University of Arizona where she captured an individual NCAA Division I championship in 2001. In 2003, she became the world champion and world record holder in the 200-meter breaststroke.

Beard made a good showing at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Swim Trials, qualifying to participate in four events at the Athens games.