  Jerome81 Member Username: Jerome81 Post Number: 886 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 64.142.86.133 |
Many here might not have heard of Eric, or may not really care, but his life is worth remembering. I met Eric at age 13 at the Wolverine summer swim camp. At that time, he was a recent olympian in Barcelona, and to a 13 year old kid, a real fascination. I then got to know his kindness, work ethic, and love for swimming during that week. Someone whom I looked up to as an athlete became a person I could respect outside the pool. I really got a glimpse when I became ill after working with him and he spent time with me to ensure I would be fine; without it ever seeming like he had something better to do or somewhere else to be. He became the swimmer I tried to emulate, in both the way I look at life, the way I treat others, and the way I approached swimming. Even after 12 years he was always the behind-the-scenes guy I respected the most. He leaves behind a wife and two young children. I ask that you think of his life and his family. The swimming world lost one of its greats, and everyone else lost a wonderful person. Brings tears to my eyes....even 12 years later. He will always have a place in my heart. http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=/20060112/SPO RTS17/601120532 http://www.detnews.com/apps/pb cs.dll/article?AID=/20060112/S PORTS0201/601120337/1004/SPORT S | ||
Urban_shocker Member Username: Urban_shocker Post Number: 245 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 68.248.7.192 |
I remember the guy well from the Atlanta games. Plenty of M pride in those races with Tom Dolan. | ||
The_aram Member Username: The_aram Post Number: 4639 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 141.213.175.233 |
I know a couple people who knew Eric personally, and from hearing them tell stories about him the past couple days, it's clear he really was the true spirit of the Olympian in every sense of the word. It seems like every athlete he touched was not only a better competitor because of him, but vicariously a better human being. A great person, and a great swimmer. Really tragic. I remember watching him and Tom Dolan in those Olympics and how cool it was that there were two guys from UM winning medals. | ||
Aaron Member Username: Aaron Post Number: 103 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.241.224.171 |
I took two classes taught by his wife in the statistics department--a very nice lady. Sad to see something like this happen to them. | ||
Broken_main Member Username: Broken_main Post Number: 610 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.222.11.226 |
Truly a great Olympian and person. I, too, remember the match with Dolan. It is very sad to see this happen to such a wonderful athlete. Our prayers are with his family. |
