Pam Sullivan is the mother of an unexpected Olympian, who initially took swim classes to assist her son Eamon in managing asthma.
In a humorous tale they often share, Pam observed that Eamon’s hair was not getting wet after his lessons. Frequently distracted by various activities, Eamon often opted to skip lessons in favor of playing outside until Pam discovered him caught in a tree. While swimming was essential for his health, Pam aimed to instill in Eamon a sense of responsibility. Her lessons proved effective. By the end of that week, Eamon emerged as the quickest swimmer in his group, and as his asthma improved, a future Olympian began to take shape.
Eamon has faced numerous injuries and challenges throughout his swimming journey. He has experienced shoulder issues, five hip surgeries, over 30 joint injections, back problems, a fractured heel, and even a ruptured appendix. Eamon noted that “ironically, players in contact sports often turn to swimming for rehabilitation,” yet for him, swimming has resulted in a buffet of injuries.
As a young child, Eamon struggled with asthma. At the age of seven, Pam signed him up for swim lessons, recognizing that “swimming would aid his lungs in developing and becoming stronger.” Eamon candidly admits that he didn’t instantly fall in love with swimming. In the beginning, he was “monkeying around” and causing trouble during practices. He reflects on those initial experiences, saying, “I was easily distracted.”
Pam, however, was not amused. She understood the importance of swimming in addressing his asthma. She was determined not to allow Eamon to procrastinate. Her goal was not for him to become a competitive athlete; she simply wanted him to attend his classes and swim. Pam believed in the importance of fulfilling responsibilities, asserting that focus leads to success. The swimming lessons became a concrete lesson for her son to learn this principle. Pam took action, ensuring his instructor paid closer attention to Eamon. As a result, Eamon began to notice the positive outcomes of being diligent and attending his lessons.
From his hesitant beginnings, Eamon has evolved into one of Australia’s premier swimmers. However, his swimming journey has been fraught with chronic injuries. Nevertheless, he confronts these challenges with determination, a valuable quality he inherits from his mother. During tough times, Eamon goes to great lengths to spare his mother from worry, particularly regarding the toll his injuries have had on him. For instance, after breaking his femur, Eamon spent 3 to 4 months in the hospital. Despite contemplating quitting at times, Pam inspires Eamon to endure and tackle his obstacles head-on.
With London 2012 approaching, this will be Eamon’s third Olympics and his first as a seasoned competitor. Maintaining his health is crucial for success in London. Eamon defines training as “the one thing I despise,” but he acknowledges that “the satisfaction from performing makes all the hard work seem trivial…all the pain, suffering, and injuries vanish. Regardless of the disdain for training, it’s worth it for that same exhilarating feeling.”
by Terence Johns
