I’ve often wondered if sporting activity is really good for you.  In the light of some of the recent events in the world of the elite sportsman, I’m starting to think I might actually have something!

The dramatic pictures of Fabrice Muamba, the Bolton Wanderers footballer, suffering a heart attack at the age of 23 on the pitch at White Hart Lane during the FA Cup quarter final against Spurs, were shocking to say the least, but happily, despite being technically dead for 78 minutes, he appears to be making a miraculous recovery and we can only hope that he continues to progress well.

The Motherwell FC player, Phil O’Donnell was not as fortunate.  He died following a cardiac arrest during a game against Dundee on 29th December 2007.  He was 35 years old, married and had 4 young children.

So it was yet another shock to read in the news today of the death of Norway’s world swimming champion, Alexander Dale Oen, at the age of 26.  Again, he had suffered a cardiac arrest.  He was found collapsed in a shower yesterday evening after a training session in Arizona.  Having won silver at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Norway’s first Olympic swimming medal, he was considered a strong hope for this summer’s London Games.

My thoughts and good wishes are with all the families, to lose a loved one at any age is difficult but particularly harrowing if they are in their prime with everything to live for.