Ian Thorpe

Feb 03: The 28 year old, who is nicknamed “Thorpedo”, announces his comeback at International arena by participating in London Olympics next year. He quit back in 2006 from all competition. He won his first individual long course (50m) world record, when he broke the Kieren Perkin’s five year old record of 400m mark by almost few seconds at the Pan Pacs in Sydney in 1999. “I will start swimming in September, which will make me ready to be able to participate in London Games physically. I never thought that I would be swimming in a very competitive manner as before but I’m really glad that I’m. I have spent the last four years without pool but now I needed those four years back badly,” said Thorpe.

“His presence will only make the competition interesting and competitive. All the swimmers will be enthusiastic to be very sharp and good in swimming. It would be really glad to see Ian back in pool again. He is truly a true champion and his return in London Games will make the competition great,” said the Michael Phelp’s teammate Bob Bowman. Ian Thorpe who is Australia’s most successful Olympian ended the months of speculation by announcing his return. In his first Olympics in 2000 at the age of just 17, he won 3 gold and two silver. In 2001, at the World Championship in Fukuoka, Japan, he broke his own world records in 200m, 400m and 800m and the 4 multiplied by 200m relay by bagging six gold.

In 2002 at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester he won 6 gold. He is the first swimmer to win the same event at three World Championships (WC), when he won the 400m at Barcelona, 2003. He won the 200m and the 4 multiplied by 200m to take his WC tally to 11 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze.

Tags: Australia, Commonwealth Games, Ian Thorpe, London Olympics, Sports, Swimmer, Swimming, Thorpedo, World Championships