Ian Thorpe will compete in 100m butterfly and IM – 2011 Swimming World Cup, Singapore
The Australian comeback king, Ian Thorpe has decided to keep his freestyle swim undercover for some more time and announced that he will compete in the 100m butterfly and 100m Individual Medley (IM) discipline at the 2011 Swimming World Cup in Singapore.
Thorpe, who reinstated his swimming career in February 2011, is eyeing the 100m freestyle to confirm his spot in the Australian squad for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
The 29-year-old Thorpe has been preparing for the 100m freestyle from the time of his comeback, but the Australian veteran has decided to show only a glance of his freestyle, which he will swim in the IM event.
The Australian was an expert of 200m and 400m freestyle during his career. He has won five Olympic gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze medal. He retired in 2006 as he thought he has achieved everything, but after almost five years, the legendary
Australian realized that there is more to accomplish.
Thorpe’s decision of adding 100m butterfly to his Olympic qualification dream is expected to decrease the intensity of battle in 100m freestyle at Olympic Trials.
His manager David Flaskas said, I think it's probably about easing him back into competition, letting him get a feel for the water and the competition."
While talking to an AAP official about Thorpe’s chest infection, Flaskas added, "He was affected for just a couple of days last week but he's back in the water. I spoke to him last night (Sunday) and he's much better and I don't think there's any doubts
or any concerns. He's pretty relaxed about it so I'm sure there's no problem ...”
With the performance of Australian team in Stockholm, it is obvious that the dolphins are comparatively weak in 200m freestyle and 100m butterfly discipline thus Thorpe is targeting the butterfly event to confirm his spot to London.
Furthermore, if he sticks to his decision of competing in the butterfly swim, Thorpe will experience a tough time from his fellow swimmer, Geoff Huegill, who owns the national title of the event.
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