Thorpe confirms his participation in the 200m freestyle at the 2012 London Olympics
– Swimming News
Australian comeback king, Ian Thorpe has confirmed his participation in the 200m freestyle, saying that he will be targeting the 200m event to secure his spot in the Australian team to the 2012 London Olympics.
Thorpe, who retired from competitive swimming in 2006 and returned to his beloved sport in February 2011, said earlier that he will be aiming at the 100m freestyle and the freestyle relay to qualify for the London Olympics. On the contrary, Thorpe has expressed
his desire of competing in the 200m freestyle, where he will be facing the 2008 Beijing Olympics champion, Michael Phelps.
While talking to the media, the 28-year-old Australian said, “I'm definite (on the events) and it's the 100 and 200 freestyle and I'm preparing for both of those now."
With his declaration, Thorpe has sent a clear message to the American champion, Phelps, who conquered the gold medal of the 200m freestyle at the Beijing Olympic Games. After Thorpe’s comeback, swimming elites including Phelps’s coach, Bob Bowman, were already
stressing that Thorpe should compete in the 200m freestyle, as they will put a great show in front of the London Aquatic Centre’s arena.
Bowman also said that Phelps likes competing with the best and Thorpe is in a position to challenge his competitor.
Thorpe also claims to post a top two finish, as this is his only way to confirm his spots in the 4*100m freestyle relay and the 4*200m freestyle relay, along with the individual events.
Another Obstacle in Thorpe’s way is the 100m freestyle Australian national champion, James Magnussen, who will be trying hard to overwhelm Thorpe for his fastest qualification spot at the London Olympics. Magnussen is ranked first in the 2011 early world
rankings, as he clocked the year’s fastest time in the 1000m freestyle at the Australian National Championships.
Thorpe is currently training in Switzerland under the guidance of his coach, Gennadi Touretski, who is happy with the Thorpe’s improvement.
Furthermore, Thorpe is pleased with his improvement and said that he will be making a splash at the next year Olympics trials. The Australian is very hopeful of securing his spot in the Australian team to London.
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