Since the news broke this morning that world champion Alexander Dale Oen had passed away from a cardiac arrest at a training camp in Flagstaff, Arizona the swimming world has collectively mourned the loss of a competitor, teammate and friend. Many top swimmers took to Twitter to pass along their condolences to the Dale Oen family and friends.
His greatest rivals, including Kosuke Kitajima and Cameron van der Burgh both posted heartfelt responses to the news and showed that beyond the pool Alexander Dale Oen was a friend to all, who’s infectious smile is one many won’t soon forgotten. Kitajima first posted in Japanese, “I can not stop the tears,” and later followed that up with a tweet to the man who was expected to be his greatest challenger this summer, “In shock over the passing of a dear friend and great rival. RIP Alex.” Van der Burgh summed up Dale Oen as well, “To my greatest rival. My greatest friend. My brother in breaststroke. May you rest in peace. One love.”
The outpour continued from athletes all over the world who wanted to pass along their take on a great swimmer but an even better person. As I read over these athletes responses I think back to October 2010 when the news broke that Fran Crippen had died while competing in the UAE. The swimming world was shocked and saddened by the untimely death of someone so young and so full of life. The support the Crippen family received was overwhelming but showed just how loved Fran was. The same can be said of Dale Oen.
In the wake of one of the darkest days in Norweigian history Dale Oen was their shining star; their light in the darkness. His victory in the 100 breaststroke at the 2011 world championships came just three days after the terrorist attack rocked the Scandinavian nation and left 77 people dead. As he touched the wall Dale Oen pointed to the Norweigian flag on his swim cap to signify that the victory was for his entire country as they worked to move past unthinkable tragedy. Today the country and the swimming world will once again try to understand this tragic event and remember a man who helped bring hope back to an ailing nation.
Swimmers from around the world react to the untiming passing of Alexander Dale Oen via Twitter:
Rowdy Gaines: The swimming world lost one of its own yesterday way too young. Alexander Dale Oen, World Champ and Olympic silver medalist dead at 26. RIP
Jennie Johansson: Totally in shock. Such a great swimmer and lovely person leaving us way to early. RIP Alex! My thoughts are with your family and friends
Darian Townsend: My thoughts and prayers go out to Alexander Dale Oen's family. The swimming world has lost a true ambassador to the sport. Sad, sad day.
Kirsty Coventry: My thoughts are with Alexander Dale Oen's family. He was an amazing swimmer and Ioved watching his performance at World Champs last year.
Dave Marsh: prayers from Charlotte to Dale's family&ll Norway.
Marieke Gueher: RIP @alexdaleoen a true champion and wonderful role model. This is the definition of a tragedy. You will be sorely missed.
Yannick Agnel: So shocked… Rest in peace
Ranomi Kromowidjojo: Alex…. RIP
Dorothea Brandt: I can not believe in the articles that say Alexander Dale Oen died. I am shocked! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family & friends.
Kathleen Hersey: Thoughts & prayers to Alexander Dale Oen, his friends, family and teammates. The swim community lost a great talent.
Jessica Hardy: A man of example, whom the world of swimming will surely miss. RIP Alexander
Damir Dugonjic: Really shocked to hear news about friend and swimmer Alexander Dale Oen. Such a tragedy
Rebecca Adlington: So shocked to hear about Alexander Dale Oen passing away. Such a talented swimmer. Was so young. Thoughts are with his friends and family.
Minka Jukic: I'm in shock…cannot believe this…Alexander Dale Oen…we will miss you, buddy… R.I.P.
Melanie Schlanger: Is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Alex Dale Oen. His achievements in swimming will never be forgotten.
Eamon Sullivan: RIP my friend, Alexander Dale Oen. One of the best breastrokers of all time. you will be missed. So so sad
Amaury Leveaux: sad day for the swimming world. RIP Alex. bad day for the world of swim RIP Alex <3
Roland Schoeman: My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Alex dale Oen's friends and family. Very sad news to wake up to. Swimming has lost a gentleman
Brendan Hansen: Sad to hear of Dale Oen passing, that infectious smile will forever be missed in the ready room. RIP Alex
Markus Rogan: You will be remembered for giving Norway hope on one of its darkest days, RIP Alexander Dale Oen
Gideon Louw: My respects go out to Alexander Dale Oen.The Swimming world has lost a tremendous athlete, much too long before his time.
Ricky Berens: Terrible news in the swimming world. Very sad news. Thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and teammates.