Streamlined News: Passing of Chloe Waddell; Orlando Arena Grand Prix Appearances

PHOENIX, Arizona, February 7. TODAY’S news starts off with a sad story that has been gaining a lot of social media attention: the tragic death of the talented British swimmer Chloe Waddell. The 16-year-old died unexpectedly Sunday morning following an awards ceremony for her club team the night before. In a statement, British Swimming recognized her as “a promising young star.”

Swimming World Twitter and Facebook followers responded to the tragedy, sending an outpouring of well wishes and condolences to the friends and family of Waddell.

Athletes in Action Swim Tweeted:

Lets be praying 4 family/team/friends “@swimmingworld: 16-year-old British Olympic hopeful Chloe Waddell passes away fb.me/2kw2DEZwQ”

— AthletesInActionSwim (@AIASwim) February 7, 2013

Cindy Dayton shared her personal reaction to the story, Tweeting:

@swimmingworld This is every parents nightmare. I’m just in tears as I read it. Prayers to the Waddell family and prayers for Chloe.

— Cindi Dayton (@CindiDayton) February 6, 2013

Waddell competed in the 2012 British Olympic Trials against now retired two-time Olympic Champion and World Record holder Rebecca Adlington. Waddell was also ranked in the top-five nationally in Britain in several distance events. The exact cause of death has not been confirmed, but there is some speculation that Waddell may have hit her head at a party the night before her death. We’ll keep you updated on any further developments, including the release of the official autopsy report.

In lighter news, the Arena Grand Prix Series continues next weekend in Orlando. We have learned that Dana Vollmer will use the meet as her first competitive appearance since the London Olympics, where she won three gold medals. Missy Franklin, the overall series leader on the women’s side, will also be swimming, alongside Ryan Lochte, Conor Dwyer and Tyler Clary. We’re looking forward to covering the meet on location in Orlando, and will bring you both live and race day coverage of the event next weekend.

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