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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.
Was talking to my bro today and she said there are four teams in Flagstaff now training at NAU. I hope Gull reads this cause I have a question. Can high altitude training potentially impact a pre-existing heart condition? Or, what general statements can you make about training at altitude?
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.
Very sad--too many young athletes have this happen to them. There's a drive in my area to test more kids in the hope of preventing cardiac arrest, which is more common than it should be. Often, procedures such as cardiac ablation can significantly reduce the risk, but there needs to be more early detection. Someone that young and fit shouldn't have to die prematurely.
