Norwegian swimming champion Alexander Dale Oen dead

[muriel_volestrangler]

Norway's world swimming champion Alexander Dale Oen, has died suddenly in the US, aged 26, the country's swimming federation says.

In July 2011, Dale Oen won gold medal in the 100m breast-stroke at the Fina World Championships in Shanghai.

He was found collapsed in a shower late on Monday after training in Flagstaff, Arizona, Norwegian media say. Friends said he had appeared healthy earlier.
...
Norwegian Swimming Federation President Per Rune Eknes said he had suffered a cardiac arrest.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17908737

Sudden collapses, or deaths, of young elite athletes seem to be getting more and more common. Are they being pushed too far, or it is just more comprehensive reporting?

[bluedigger]

1. I would guess it's better reporting.

That's so sad for his family. I don't think it has much to do with any increases in training, though. If there were PEDs involved that might account for it, but otherwise, I think it's just better reporting/dissemination of news. It happens.

[Lars77]

2. People are faster, stronger and pushes harder now than ever before.

Soccer is a sport that has been watched very very closely on the highest level for many decades in Europe, and it does feel like players die of heart issues much more frequently. Just a few weeks ago, a player died on the pitch in Italy, and a few weeks before that a player in the UK collapsed but was saved after ending up in hospital in critical condition.

Dale Oen would have been a top contender at the Olympics.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17908737