Bella Sims

Arabella Gabrielle Sims, known as Bella, was born on May 25, 2005, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and grew up in Henderson, Nevada. She began swimming lessons at nine years old. Sims attended Nevada Connections Academy, an online public school. Her early career saw her demonstrating versatility and talent across various swimming events.

Sims started attracting national attention at the 2020 United States Olympic Trials in June 2021, where she finished fifth in the 200 freestyle, securing a spot on the Women’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay team for the Tokyo Olympics. At the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games in July 2021, Sims earned a silver medal as part of the United States’ 4×200-meter freestyle relay team, contributing in the preliminary heats. She later achieved a gold medal at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay and two silver medals at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay and the 4×100-meter mixed freestyle.

In 2023, Sims enrolled at the University of Florida, where she achieved significant academic and athletic recognition. She was named the SEC Swimmer of the Year and SEC Freshman Swimmer of the Year, becoming the first SEC swimmer to earn both titles in the same year. Sims won thirteen All-American honors and was a seven-time NCAA All-American. With the Florida Gators’ relay team, she secured an NCAA National title in the 800-freestyle relay in 2024. In 2025, she transferred to the University of Michigan.