RI Olympian Elizabeth Beisel's fundraising swim postponed because of bad weather

Olympic swimmer Elizabeth Beisel's fundraising swim from Point Judith to Block Island has been postponed because of bad weather.

Beisel, a Saunderstown native, is planning the swim to raise money for cancer research. Her father, Ted Beisel, died this summer after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

"Unfortunately, due to heavy headwinds and swells created by Hurricane Larry, the Block Cancer safety crew has decided to postpone my swim to Block Island that was set to take place this Thursday, September 9th," Beisel said on Facebook.

"This is absolutely, 100% the right decision as safety is our top priority, and our new target date will likely be in two weeks and will be confirmed ASAP. Thank you all for the continuous support, and my sincerest apologies to those who had rearranged their schedules to be there this Thursday."

More:Beisel announces her father died; was inspiration for swim to raise funds to fight cancer

More:Olympian Elizabeth Beisel plans swim to Block Island to raise money for cancer research

Beisel won silver and bronze medals at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and competed in two other Olympiads, as well. She plans to be the first woman to swim the 13 miles from the mainland to Block Island. Beisel is working with Swim Across America to raise research funds.

jperry@providencejournal.com

(401) 277-7614

On Twitter: @jgregoryperry