THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, July 23, 1996 TAG: 9607230009
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 32 lines
Arlington's Tom Dolan is Virginia's and the nation's first recipient of 1996 Olympic gold. This is cause for celebration, in part because Dolan knows more than the average athlete about perseverance and overcoming the odds.
As a teenager, Dolan was diagnosed with asthma and a narrow windpipe. The combination means that his oxygen intake is substantially less than that of normal breathers, a decided handicap when your sport is swimming.
Despite dizziness and fatigue and occasional blackouts during practice, Dolan refused to relinquish his dream. The result on Sunday was a victory in the 400-meter individual medley, which includes 100 meters each of butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle.
His time, 4 minutes and 14.90 seconds, edged out second-place finisher Eric Namesnik, another member of the USA team.
Watching from the stands were about 30 relatives and friends, including father Bill. The elder Dolan is a Washington-area attorney known to most Virginians as the Democratic nominee for attorney general in 1993.
Assessing his son's prospects, Dolan told reporters that he has long been awed by his son's determination and iron will. The qualities were apparent when he was barely 11 and was competing and winning against older youths. Even with a broken arm, Tom Dolan refused to stop practicing.
Bill Dolan, who was defeated by Jim Gilmore in 1993, is said to be considering another run for attorney general next year. His decision may show us to what extent grit runs in the family tree.
Soon we may know - like son, like father? by CNB