Getting to Know: Norway’s Alexander Dale Oen

Feature by Stefan Lackner

CLEVELAND, Mississippi, October 7. BEIJING silver medalist Alexander Dale Oen of Norway is next up in our Getting to Know series on European swimmers. Dale Oen finished second to Japan's Kosuke Kitajima in the men's 100 breaststroke at the 2008 Olympic Games.

Country: Norway
Events: Breaststroke
Birthplace: Bergen, Norway
Height: 6-3
Residence: Bergen, Norway
Hobbies: Surfing, wakeboarding, photography
Club: Vestkant Swim Club
Coach: Stig Leganger – Hansen
Achievements:
In 2003:
* 2nd Place 100 breast European Junior Championships
In 2004:
* semi finalist 100 breast European Championships Madrid, qualified for Olympic Games Athens 2004.
In 2005:
* finalist 100 breast World Championship Montreal, placing 7th, 4th 100 breast European Short Course Championships Trieste
In 2006:
* 3rd place 100 breast World Short Course Championship, 2nd 100 breast European Championships Budapest, 3rd 100 breast European Short Course Championships Helsinki
In 2007:
* finalist 100 breast World Championship Melbourne, finalist 50, 100, 200 breast European Short Course Championships Debrecen
In 2008:
* European Champion 100 breast, 2nd place 50,200 breast European Championships Eindhoven, 2nd place 100 breast Olympic Games Beijing. European record holder 100 breast
International Medals:
Silver 100 breast Beijing, Gold 100 breast European Championships Eindhoven, Silver 50 and 200 breast Eindhoven, Silver 100 breast European Championships 06 Budapest, Silver World Short Course Champ Shanghai, two Bronzes from European Short Course Championships

Additional Information:
The Kings Achievement Medal 2004- 2008

How was the Olympics experience overall?
I was happy, but finishing 17th in the 200 breast put a little bit of a downer on the experience.

Was being a professional swimmer a dream of yours?
No, my dream was to get to the Olympics. I have to say that it has exceeded my expectations so far.

Who has helped you get to where you are today?
My brother, my family and my coach. Behind one man stands a thousand.

With the world getting faster in the sport, who do you see as the next big swim country after the U.S. and Australia?
I think that South Africa has so much potential, but do not forget France or Great Britain, they are all up there fighting

What is your next goal?
Relax, have a good time and return to Rome 09

What do you do to prepare before a race?
Wind down, think about what I am about to do, and live in the moment.

What is the hardest set you've ever swum?
4x(150,100,50 @ 2.10, 1.40, 1.00) in Sierra Nevada

Do you ever fear losing a race?
No, then you have already lost.

Did you ever wish to participate in another sport?
I would love to be good at gymnastics, but since I'm 191cm (6-3) tall, it may be a little difficult.

What would you say to a child, who is learning to swim, and is scared of the water?
Just relax, and it will become natural.

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