Thomas Fitzgerald Dolan is a former competition swimmer from the United States, a two-time Olympic champion, and a former world record holder. But did you know how he overcame adversity and was considered one of the world’s best swimmers?
Despite having exercise-induced asthma and a narrow trachea that allows him to breathe only about 20% of the average person’s air, Tom Dolan was once considered the best swimmer in the world and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder.
Who is Tom Dolan?
Dolan was born in Arlington, Virginia, on September 15, 1975. When he was five, he began swimming competitively for the Washington Golf and Country Club’s summer swim team.
He took up swimming seriously after joining the Curl-Burke Swim Club. Despite his asthma, Dolan rose to become one of the best age group swimmers in the country, not just in the Washington, DC area. Under the tutelage of coach Rick Curl, Dolan rose to prominence by following Mike Barrowman’s work ethic and Mark Spitz’s toughness.
After graduating from Yorktown High School in 1993, he attended the University of Michigan. Dolan was able to train with Eric Namesnik because he chose Michigan. During his college career, Namesnik dominated the 400 IM, setting the American record four times. When Dolan started college, Namesnik was already an alumnus, but the two trained and raced every day because Namesnik was still swimming for Urbanchek as a member of Club Wolverine. Although they had been training partners for several years, it was reported that the two 400 IMers did not get along. (Source: Swim Swam)
The National Championships
During his first year, Dolan won the 400 free, 800 free, 1,500 free, and 400 IM at the 1994 US National Championships. His 400 IM time of 4:13.52 was an American record, breaking Namesnik’s previous mark. Later that year, at the World Championships in Rome, he broke the 400 IM world record with a time of 4:12.30.
Dolan also became a dominant force in NCAA Division 1 swimming, winning national titles in 1994 for 800 free relays, 1995 for 500 free, 1,650 free, 400 IM, 800 free relays, and 1996 for 500 free, 1,650 free, 400 IM, 800 free relays and 500 free, 1,650 free, 400 IM, and 800 free relays. (Source: Swim Swam)
Going for the Gold
As the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta approached, Dolan and his Michigan coach, Jon Urbanchek, were prepared. Dolan edged out Namesnik in 4:14.90 to win his first Olympic gold medal in Atlanta. Dolan also competed in the 200 IM at those Games, finishing seventh.
Dolan successfully defended his 400 IM title at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, winning gold and breaking his world record with a time of 4:11.76. From 1994 to 2002, Dolan held the world record in the 400 IM. Dolan won another Olympic medal in Sydney, a silver in the 200 IM. (Source: Swim Swam)
Tom Dolan’s Retirement
Dolan announced his retirement shortly after the 2000 Olympics. Before opening the Tom Dolan Swim School in Dulles, Virginia, on February 1, 2012, he worked as an investment banker for the United States Olympic Committee. The Tom Dolan Swim School’s motto is Swim Thru Life. People of all ages can learn to swim through the school’s lessons. (Source: Swim Swam)
Image from Swim Swam