FINA IN MOURNING - Alexander Dale Oen (NOR)

Lausanne (SUI), AKUATIK INDONESIA – FINA was shocked to learn about the sudden death of prestigious swimmer Alexander Dale Oen (NOR), at the age of 26 in a training camp in Flagstaff (Arizona, USA), on April 30, 2012.

Dale Oen has been of the most promising revelations at the 2008 Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke, an event in which he obtained the victory (the first ever for his country) at the 2011 FINA World Championships in Shanghai (CHN). He was therefore one of the most talented swimmers in this stroke and was certainly preparing a brilliant participation at the upcoming Olympic Games in London.

In everyone’s memory is also present his courage in Shanghai when shining in the pool immediately after the sad events that had taken place in Norway. He had given to media and fans an image of a brave and sincere athlete, paying a heartfelt tribute to his compatriots from the pool deck in China. His example had been one of the most vivid moments of those Championships.

FINA shares the mourning of the entire Norwegian swimming community and addresses its most sincere condolences to his family and friend. (fina)