Ian Thorpe contented with his preparation for the 2012 London Olympic Trials – Swimming News
Five-time Olympic gold medallist, Australia’s Ian Thorpe expressed contentment over his dawdling advancements as he prepares for the 2012 London Olympic Trials.
The 29-year-old Thorpe, who returned to competitive swimming on February 1, 2011, has been putting a lot of effort in his training program to make his comeback successful.
Thorpe, who came back to aggressive swimming after five years, has demonstrated his proficiency in a couple of short course events and a long course meet in Italy, but failed to grab medal in any event.
The Australian veteran competed at the final three stages of 2011 Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) World Cup Series in November and the following month, he participated in the Italian Winter Championships.
After the Italian meet, where Thorpe posted a time of 50.84 seconds and finished 16th in the 100m freestyle, many believed that he would put a stop on his Olympic qualification dream, but the Australian has declared that he will not back down
and is preparing harder for the trials.
Currently, the comeback king is preparing to race in the 100m and 200m freestyle at the Victorian Open Championships, which are scheduled in Melbourne from January 13 to 15. This will be Thorpe’s first appearance at the national stage in last six years.
Australian Head Coach, Leigh Nugent, confirmed his participation at the national meet. Nugent told that Thorpe came back to Australia shortly before Christmas along with his coach Gennadi Touretski.
“I have spoken to him over the last few days, and he's been happy with the training camp, happy to be lapping up a bit of Australian sunshine and happy to be home for Christmas,” Nugent said.
“But if he could swim around a 1.50 [for the 200 m] considering he's working pretty hard, something like that would be a pretty good sign,” he added.
With only two months left for the 2012 London Olympic trials, Thorpe’s performance at the Victorian meet will project his chances to reach the starting block of the London Games.
Moreover, along with Thorpe, Michael Klim and Libby Trickett are also going to serve notice of their talent at the same event on Friday.
Tags: