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Dale Oen earned his biggest triumph in the pool at last year's worlds in Shanghai when he won the 100 breaststroke, a victory that provided some much-needed joy back in Norway just three days after the massacre by right-wing extremist Anders Breivik that killed 77 people - including children at a summer camp.
Dale Oen dedicated the win to the victims of that massacre, pointing to the Norwegian flag on his cap after the finish to send a message back home.
"We need to stay united," he said after the race. "Everyone back home now is of course paralyzed with what happened but it was important for me to symbolize that even though I'm here in China, I'm able to feel the same emotions."
Just yesterday, he was mentioned as a medal favorite in Swimming World's 100 breaststroke Olympic preview.
It's always sad when someone dies at a young age, but it is especially troubling when an elite athlete dies - reminds me of Fran Crippen, and the young man who was the victim of the shark attack off the coast of S.Africa last week. So so sad, my prayers are with his family & hope the Norwegian team members can get their heads back in the game.
It's always sad when someone dies at a young age, but it is especially troubling when an elite athlete dies - reminds me of Fran Crippen, and the young man who was the victim of the shark attack off the coast of S.Africa last week. So so sad, my prayers are with his family & hope the Norwegian team members can get their heads back in the game.
