YOUR FRIENDS' ACTIVITY

    London Spy

    Swimmer to make copy of gold for deceased rival

    When the swimmers lined up for the breaststroke finals last week it was as much about who wasn't there as who was.

    World champion Alexander Dale Oen of Norway would have been favourite to win the 100m race and would have also been a medal contender in the 200m, but he died of a heart attack last April.

    However, Hungary's Daniel Gyurta, who won the 200m race in London in his absence, has offered to have a copy of his medal made to send to Dale Oen's family as a mark of his respect.

    "We became very good friends this year. I'm sure that he would have won the 100 here in London," he said.

    "This is the least I can do to pay respect to my friend."

    Bjoern Soleng, general secretary of the Norwegian Swimming Federation, said on behalf of the family that he is sure they will appreciate the gesture very much.

    Dale Oen produced an emotional victory at the World Championships last year when he won gold just days after 77 of his countrymen and women were killed in terrorist attacks.

    South African Cameron van der Burgh, who triumphed in the 100m event, also dedicated his victory to Dale Oen.

    About London Spy

    London Spy is the place to keep you informed on all the news in and around the 2012 Olympics. From torch tours to ticket touts, from Greco Roman wrestling to Stratford International maintenance, from Lord Coe to Wenlock and Mandeville, we will have all the slightly left field stories covered.

    POLL

    Will Britain top their 2012 medal haul at Rio 2016?

    Loading...
    Poll Choice Options

    FANTASY FOOTBALL

    • Free To Join
      Free To Join

      Think you can do better than Fergie or Mancini? Sign up now and pick your winning team. More »