The Morning Swim Show: Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Troy Dalbey Discusses 1988 Scandal, Coaching, Cancer Scare and Lessons Learned

PHOENIX, Arizona, March 3. TWO-TIME Olympic gold medalist Troy Dalbey stops by the Ready Room to discuss his life before and after the 1988 Olympics, where he became a hot media topic more for his actions outside the pool than his contribution to two relays.

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Dalbey began swimming in San Jose, Calif., where he was coached by Jonty Skinner in 1984. He set a national age group record in the 200-yard freestyle for the 17-18 age group, which still stands today.

After upsetting Matt Biondi at the 1988 Olympic Trials to earn a spot on the Olympic team, Dalbey helped the United States win a gold medal in the 800 and 400 free relays. He talks about the Americans being touted as underdogs in the 800 free relay, but felt confident that they would win the 400 free relay.

"Everyone was enjoying the moment," he said. "There was no doubt in our minds we could get beaten in that relay."

After completing his swimming in Seoul, Dalbey was one of three people caught in an international incident, when Dalbey removed part of a structure from a bar. Dalbey tells of the events that transpired that night, from the reasons why he did it to the anti-American sentiment in South Korea.

After an 18-month suspension, Dalbey returned to make the world championship team in 1991, but said he "came unglued" at the 1992 Olympic Trials in the 200 free.

Life offered more setbacks for Dalbey when he was diagnosed with skin cancer while coaching in Arizona. He talks about how he could have prevented the diagnosis.

The interview concludes with a display of one of Dalbey's Olympic gold medals. He also talks more of the lessons he learned as a swimmer and how the medals he's won pale in comparison to the friendships he's made.

To view this show click here.

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