Don's Fate: Surviving The Boys In The Boat

Don Hume, a rower in the University of Washington's Husky Hall of Fame, did not die in The Boys in the Boat. Portrayed by Jack Mulhern, Hume's past of working in a pulp mill damaged his lungs, making him susceptible to illness. Despite this, he insisted on competing in the 1936 Olympics and helped the US secure a gold medal. After the Olympics, Hume assisted the University of Washington's senior varsity eights in winning two national Intercollegiate Rowing Association titles before presumably retiring from rowing and graduating from college. Hume then fought in World War II and worked in the oil and gas drilling industry. He died in 2001 at the age of 86.

Don Hume's illness

Don Hume, a rower in the United States men's eight at the 1936 Olympics, suffered from a respiratory illness that affected his performance in the final race. Hume's illness was likely caused by his previous work in a pulp mill, where he inhaled sulphur fumes that damaged his lungs and made him susceptible to respiratory issues. He had been taking cod liver oil to manage his condition but stopped after qualifying for the Olympics, believing the German weather would be warm. However, the cold, rainy, and windy conditions in Germany weakened him, and he fell sick before the final race. Despite his illness, Hume insisted on competing, and his teammates demanded that Coach Ulbrickson include him in the boat.

Hume's illness was not the only challenge he faced during the Olympics. The United States team was not given the lane they earned during the final race, which put them at a disadvantage. Despite this, Hume and his teammates rallied and won the gold medal by a narrow margin, finishing just ahead of Italy and the home team, Germany.

After the Olympics, Hume assisted the University of Washington's senior varsity eights in winning two national Intercollegiate Rowing Association titles. He then graduated from college and fought in World War II, serving in the United States Merchant Marine from 1942 to 1945. Following the war, Hume worked in the oil and gas drilling industry and was briefly the President of the West Coast Mining Association.

Don Hume passed away in 2001 at the age of 86 due to complications from a heart attack and stroke. He left behind a legacy as a central figure in "The Boys in the Boat" and as a member of the University of Washington's Husky Hall of Fame.

Don Hume's career after rowing

Hume was a skilled pianist and performed complicated classical pieces for music programs, even participating in prestigious state competitions. He was also a multi-sport athlete, gaining recognition in basketball and field events.

Hume passed away in 2001 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as a central figure in "The Boys in the Boat" and as a member of the University of Washington's Husky Hall of Fame.

Don Hume's life after WWII

Don Hume's life after World War II was largely unknown. However, he did work in the oil and gas drilling industry and was a part of the West Coast Mining Association, even serving a term as its President.

Hume was a member of the University of Washington's Husky Hall of Fame and was a central figure in "The Boys in the Boat". He passed away in 2001, at the age of 86, from complications of a heart attack and stroke.

Hume's legacy lives on as a talented athlete and pianist. Before the 1936 Olympics, he had contributed difficult classical piano pieces to musical programs and participated in state competitions.

Don Hume's death

Don Hume, a rower in the University of Washington's Husky Hall of Fame, passed away in 2001 at the age of 86. Hume, who was born in 1915, had a central role in the story "The Boys in the Boat", which was adapted into a movie in 2023.

Hume's early life was marked by his dedication to rowing and music. Growing up in Olympia, Washington, he honed his rowing skills in the waterways of the Puget Sound. He also developed a passion for playing the piano, performing classical pieces for music programs and competing in state-level piano contests.

In 1936, Hume achieved a significant milestone by winning an Olympic gold medal. He rowed in the stroke seat of the American boat in the eights competition at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This victory is chronicled in the book and film "The Boys in the Boat", where Hume's illness before the final race adds drama to the narrative. Despite his health issues, Hume insisted on competing and played a crucial role in securing the gold medal for the United States.

After the Olympics, Hume continued to excel in rowing. He stroked the University of Washington senior varsity eights, winning US national Intercollegiate Rowing Association titles in 1936 and 1937. During World War II, Hume served in the Merchant Marine from 1942 to 1945. Following the war, he pursued a career in oil and gas exploration and served as President of the West Coast Mining Association.

Hume's life and achievements left a lasting legacy. He was inducted into the University of Washington's Husky Hall of Fame, and his story inspired the book and film "The Boys in the Boat". On September 16, 2001, Hume passed away due to complications from a heart attack and stroke, leaving behind a rich legacy of athletic excellence and musical talent.

Don Hume's legacy

Don Hume, a member of the University of Washington rowing team, played a pivotal role in their journey to winning a gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Hume's legacy is that of a determined athlete who overcame health issues to contribute to his team's success.

Hume's past work in a pulp mill had damaged his lungs, making him vulnerable to respiratory illnesses. Despite this, he insisted on competing in the final race, where he helped the United States secure the gold medal in the stroke seat of the men's eight event. After the Olympics, Hume went on to assist the University of Washington's senior varsity eights in winning two national Intercollegiate Rowing Association titles.

Hume's life after his rowing career is less well-known. He served in the United States Merchant Marine during World War II from 1942 to 1945. Following the war, he worked in the oil and gas drilling industry and was a part of the West Coast Mining Association, eventually becoming its president.

Hume was also a skilled pianist, performing classical pieces for music programs and competing in state competitions. He passed away in 2001 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as a central figure in "The Boys in the Boat" and as a member of the University of Washington's Husky Hall of Fame.

Hume's determination, resilience, and talent in both sports and music embody the spirit of the University of Washington rowing team's journey to Olympic gold. His contribution to their success and his post-Olympic achievements in the mining and drilling industries showcase his dedication and perseverance.

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