LONDON: The memory of a late swimming champion looms large at the Olympic pool, especially as his best event - the 100-meter breaststroke - approaches Sunday.

Alexander Dale Oen of Norway died in April at age 26 from heart disease - months before he was to be the leading hope for Norwegian swimming gold in London. He won the world championship in the 100-meter breaststroke last July.

Some swimmers said they were dedicating their swims to Dale Oen.

"We're carrying him with us all the time," countrywoman Sara Nordenstam said following her heat in the 400-meter individual medley. She said the swimmers will honor him by "swimming fast and remembering him and remember everything that he taught us and go for the goals that we set together."