Swimmer Peter Vanderkaay graduated from the University of Michigan and still trains with Club Wolverine. In Beijing, he won a gold medal as part of the U.S. 4×200m free relay team and his first individual Olympic medal ever, a bronze in the 200m free.
Vanderkaay and his team also won gold in the 4×200m free relay in the 2004 Olympics, as well as the 2005 and 2007 World Championships.
After an asthma diagnosis at age 10, Vanderkaay grew up treating his lung condition at the same time that he trained to be a world-class swimmer.
Fun Fact
In the 2004-05 season, Vanderkaay and two of his brothers all swam together on the University of Michigan swim team.
Charity Work
Vanderkaay advocates asthma education and awareness through ASTHMyths.com, a collaboration with Merck.
More
NBC Olympics Profile on Peter Vanderkaay
Michigan Live Feature on Peter Vanderkaay
**Part of a special, two-week long feature on asthmatic Olympians and the incredible athletic feats they accomplish despite their breathing problems. Read the whole series.**
Not having tracked the impact of asthma except over the last few years, I’ve found this weeks postings quite interesting. It amazes me how common asthma apparently is. I will say that not only are the athlete’s sories amazing, but the tenacity you guys all display is equally inspiring.
Keep it up!
Asthmagramps again!
wx here in CO is not too bad!
How is the packing going? Sold the house yet? Did Fay rain on you?