RI's Beisel favored in Olympic swimming event

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) -- North Kingstown's Elizabeth Beisel is set to swim for a gold medal in her second Olympic Games.

The 19-year-old is competing in the 400-meter individual medley Saturday at the London games. She is considered the favorite in the event, which combines the butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle in one race.

She is the current world champion in the 400-meter individual medley, having won gold at the 400-meter individual medley at the 2011 swimming world championships.

Beisel, who swims for the University of Florida, is also competing in the 200-meter backstroke.

At the 2008 games Beisel placed fourth in the 400-meter individual medley and came in fifth in the 200-meter backstroke.

Opening ceremonies for the London games are set for Friday evening.