Nike, Top Swimmer Join Forces

In the grand tradition of Air Jordan, Nike is about to introduce H2O Dolan.

Change the swoosh to a splash. Replace those running shoes with swimmer’s briefs. The U.S. shoe giant is jumping into the swimming pool, and already it has nabbed the biggest American fish of all, Tom Dolan of Arlington, Va.

Dolan, the world-record holder in the 400-meter individual medley and America’s top swimmer, recently signed a two-year contract with Nike that is believed to be worth more than $100,000, including bonuses for any medals he wins at the upcoming Summer Olympics. It is the largest deal Nike has signed with a swimmer.

Dolan was able to sign such a contract because he gave up his final year of eligibility at the University of Michigan to pursue promotional and commercial opportunities before, during and after the Atlanta Games. NCAA rules prohibit athletes from making money in their sport.

Nike Swim has signed several other 1996 U.S. Olympic swimmers, including backstroker Jeff Rouse and breaststroke specialist Eric Wunderlich.

Safety first

At this summer’s games, the 10,500 athletes will be outnumbered by the 14,000 U.S. military personnel, part of the Defense Department’s $50 million plan to provide security.

Squad grows

Seven players have been added to the 11-player U.S. women’s basketball developmental squad, with the final 12-player Olympic roster to be decided by June 19.

Added the team were Kara Wolters, center for Connecticut’s 1995 national title team; Shanda Berry of Iowa; Sylvia Crawley of North Carolina; Venus Lacy and Teresa Weatherspoon from Louisiana Tech; Edna Campbell of Texas and Katie Smith of Ohio State.