Community Corner

2012 Olympics: Spotlight on Eric Shanteau

Eric Shanteau, a graduate of Parkview High, will be competing in the 4x100-meter medley relay and the 100-meter breaststroke.

Former Lilburn resident Eric Shanteau is hoping to swim for the gold in the 2012 summer Olympic Games, which begin this Friday with the opening ceremony in London.Β 

In June, the 28-year-old qualified for the London Games by placing second in the 100-meter breaststroke finals during the Olympic Trials, according to media reports.

And, with a time of 1:00.15, Shanteau welcomed his second chance to compete at the Olympic Games. He first competed in 2008 in Beijing. This time he will compete in the 4x100-meter medley relay and the 100-meter breaststroke.

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Shanteau, who graduated from in 2002, set numerous records with his high school team members and as a solo swimmer. His brother, Ryan, also swam for the Parkview Panthers.Β 

Shanteau went on to swim at Auburn University, where he majored in business.

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According to the London 2012 website, Shanteau credits Chris Davis of SwimAtlanta as the most influential person in his career.

Besides being a notable swimmer, Shanteau is also known for his battle with cancer. Diagnosed just prior to the 2008 Olympic Games, Shanteau still compete and put off surgery.Β 

In a 2009 profile by Universal Sports, Shanteau said that he does worry about the cancer returning, but that he doesn't let it get to him.

"I'm the most relaxed behind the blocks that I've ever been," he was quoted as saying. "It's not that I want to think about what I've been through, but it's sort of in the back of my head. I have that reassurance of knowing I've been through something way bigger than this."

Looking for a way to give back to the local community and inspire others to kick cancer, Shanteau launched "Swim For Your Life," in 2011. The charity swim takes place in September.

To see Shanteau compete, turn your television to the London Olympics on Saturday, July 28, for swimming.


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