Legendary Olympian, Ian Thorpe: An overview of his comeback performances – Part 1
Five-time Olympic gold medallist and eleven-time world champion, Australia’s Ian Thorpe is trying hard to live up to his 2012 London Olympic Games qualification dream. The 29-year-old Thorpe, who withdrew from competitive swimming in 2006, made a comeback to his beloved sport on Feb 1, 2011.
After five years of retirement, the Australian veteran has been putting a lot of effort in his training programme to make a meaningful comeback. Subsequent to the announcement of his return, Thorpe filed necessary documents with the international aquatic sports governing body, Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) while swimming experts started to make remarks on his comeback.
According to the FINA regulations, Thorpe had to complete a nine-month period from the date of his comeback before he could resume participation in any FINA organised event. During this period, he had to undergo several drug tests, conducted by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA).
Previously, the Australian won three gold medals in the events of 400m freestyle, 4*100m freestyle and 4*200m freestyle at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. He also clinched two silver medals in the 200m freestyle and 4*100m medley relay at the same Olympics. At the 2004 Athens Olympics, he occupied gold medals of the 200m and 400m freestyle, one silver medal in the 4*200m freestyle and secured a bronze finish in the 100m freestyle.
Thorpe, winner of the race of the century, also demonstrated his tremendous skills at various World Championships, where he excelled in the freestyle discipline and improved numerous world records.
Thorpe’s return was enveloped by a series of mysteries concerning his training plan and coach, which he kept a secret for almost two months. He told that he will prepare to qualify for the Australian 4*100m freestyle relay team to ensure his berth to London Olympics. The 29-year-old clarified that he will not target the 100m individual event, but his aim is to confirm his spot in the relay team.
The comeback king hired Gennadi Touretski, the coach of his former rival and Olympic champion, Alexander Popov, to help him achieve his London qualification dream.
He announced to participate at the final three stages of 2011 FINA Swimming World Cup Series, scheduled in Singapore, Beijing and Tokyo. Few weeks prior to the Singapore leg, Thorpe declared that he will compete in the 100m butterfly and 100m Individual Medley (IM) – a shot course event not marked at the Olympic Games.
Finally, on day of the competition, November 4, Thorpe appeared before the starting blocks to give a glimpse of his freestyle. The Australian veteran demonstrated his unbelievable skills and made his way to the finals of 100m IM by qualifying as the sixth best swimmer, clocking a time of 56.74 seconds.
His stroke, which used to be well-suited for the mediocre distant events, seemed compatible for the 100m freestyle and the arena was stunned with the significant effort of Australian veteran.
Subsequently, Thorpe appeared on the pool deck for 100m IM playoff and this time, he showed an improvement of 0.41 seconds by hitting the wall with an effort of 56.33 seconds for seventh position.
His time was almost three seconds slower than the gold medallist of the event, South Africa’s Chad Le Clos, who finished his swim in 53.06 seconds. Thorpe expressed contentment after his intriguing effort in the IM event and now everyone was eager to see what he does in the 100m butterfly.
To be continued in Part 2.
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