Don's Sickness: A Turning Point In Boys In The Boat?

Don Hume, a rower in the University of Washington's crew team, fell ill before the final race at the 1936 Olympics. His past work in a pulp mill had damaged his lungs, making him more susceptible to sickness. Hume's illness is depicted in both the book and the film adaptations of The Boys in the Boat, with the film portraying him as a socially awkward but crucial member of the team whose illness the team must rally behind.

Don Hume's illness was caused by working in a pulp mill

Don Hume, a rower in the University of Washington's rowing team, was indeed very sick before the final race at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Hume's illness was caused by working in a pulp mill in Anacortes, where he was exposed to sulphur fumes that damaged his lungs and made him susceptible to colds and respiratory issues.

Hume had been taking Haliver Oil (a mixture of cod liver oil and something else) up until the Olympic Trials, but he stopped taking it after qualifying, as he believed the weather in Germany would be warm. Unfortunately, the weather turned out to be cold, rainy, and windy, which weakened him and triggered his illness.

Despite his poor health, Hume insisted on competing in the final race. The rest of the team convinced their coach to let Hume participate, and they ended up winning the gold medal. 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 insisted on competing despite his illness

Don Hume, a rower in the United States men's eight at the 1936 Olympics, had a history of respiratory issues. Working in a pulp mill in Anacortes as a child, Hume was exposed to sulphur fumes that damaged his lungs and made him susceptible to colds and respiratory problems. He fell ill before the final race at the 1936 Olympics, with his condition worsening as the team prepared for the races. Hume was found "white as a sheet" hours before the race, but he insisted on competing.

The other boys on the team convinced their coach, Al Ulbrickson, to let Hume compete, saying they wouldn't row without him. Ulbrickson eventually agreed, and Hume was strapped into the boat. Despite his illness, Hume helped the United States secure the gold medal in the stroke seat in the men's eight event.

Hume's determination to compete, despite his illness, showcases his dedication and commitment to his team. It also highlights the unity and brotherhood among the rowers, who were willing to stand by their teammate and make sacrifices for him.

Hume's teammates had to convince their coach to let him compete

Don Hume's teammates had to convince their coach to let him compete, despite Hume falling ill before the final race at the 1936 Olympics. Hume had previously worked in a pulp mill, and the sulphur fumes had damaged his lungs, making him susceptible to colds and respiratory issues. He had been taking Haliver Oil to combat this, but he stopped after qualifying for the Olympics, as he believed the weather in Germany would be warm. However, the weather turned out to be cold, with rain and wind, which weakened Hume and made him very sick. His teammates had to persuade the coach to let Hume compete, and they assured the coach that they would pull him along. Hume went on to help the United States secure the gold medal in the stroke seat in the men's eight event.

Hume's illness was not explored in enough detail in the film

In the film 'The Boys in the Boat', Don Hume is depicted as a socially awkward young man who falls ill before the final race at the 1936 Olympics. While the film does portray Hume as sick, it fails to explore the details of his illness in a satisfactory manner. This is a significant shortcoming, as Hume's illness played a crucial role in the team's journey and victory.

Hume's illness is briefly mentioned in the film, with a focus on his past work in a pulp mill, which damaged his lungs and made him susceptible to respiratory issues. However, the film does not delve into the severity and impact of his illness on the team's performance. In reality, Hume's condition was so poor that he was found white as a sheet just hours before the big race. Despite his weakened state, the team insisted on including Hume, and they had to strap him into the boat, with the other rowers pulling him along. This detail of the team's unity and determination to include Hume, despite his illness, is glossed over in the film.

Furthermore, the film does not adequately convey the uncertainty and tension surrounding Hume's illness and its impact on the team's performance. In the film, Hume's illness is portrayed as a minor setback that is quickly overcome, without exploring the emotional and physical toll it took on Hume and the rest of the team. The film also fails to capture the extent to which Hume's illness affected his performance during the race. In reality, Hume was so unwell that he was barely conscious during the Olympic finals, yet the film does not convey the seriousness of his condition.

The film's portrayal of Hume's illness as a minor obstacle that is quickly resolved undermines the true story's drama and emotion. By not exploring Hume's illness in sufficient detail, the film misses an opportunity to showcase the team's resilience, unity, and determination to overcome adversity. This omission detracts from the overall impact of the story and leaves viewers with a shallower understanding of the challenges faced by the team.

Hume's illness was a pivotal moment in the team's journey, and by not exploring it in enough detail, the film fails to capture the full extent of their struggle and triumph. This omission not only diminishes the impact of the story but also does a disservice to Hume's experience and the team's unwavering support for him during this challenging time.

Hume's illness was caused by the cold, rainy and windy weather

Don Hume, a rower in the United States men's eight at the 1936 Olympics, played a central role in "The Boys in the Boat". Hume's illness was caused by the cold, rainy, and windy weather, which weakened his immune system and made him susceptible to sickness. Hume had previously worked in a pulp mill, and the sulphur fumes had affected his lungs, making him more vulnerable to respiratory issues. The cold, rainy, and windy weather conditions, combined with the cessation of his use of Haliver Oil, a pre-antibiotic medication, created the perfect storm for Hume to fall ill.

Hume's illness was not just a minor setback but a serious concern for the team. He was found to be in a poor state, white as a sheet, just hours before the final race. Despite this, the rest of the team convinced their coach to let Hume compete, and they rallied behind him, telling the coach not to remove him from the boat. They even went as far as to say that they would row one oar down so that Hume could "compete" with them. This incredible show of teamwork and determination is a testament to the power of unity and the will to win.

Hume's illness was not merely a plot device in the story but a critical moment that brought the team together. It showcased their resilience, determination, and unwavering support for one another. Their decision to include Hume, despite his illness, demonstrates the strength of their bond and their commitment to him as a teammate. This pivotal moment in the story highlights the power of teamwork and the ability to overcome adversity together.

Hume's illness, caused by the inclement weather, ultimately became a turning point for the team. It united them and fueled their determination to win. Their decision to include Hume, despite the challenges, showcases their unwavering support for one another and their belief in the power of unity. This moment in "The Boys in the Boat" serves as a reminder that sometimes, it is not just about the individual athletes but the collective strength and resilience of the team.

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