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For a young swimmer who had previously been allergic to chlorine, Ian Thorpe is now one of the greatest and most respected swimmers of all time.
Ian has already broken 22 world records (including four short course records and five relay events). In Ian's first ever Olympic Games held in his hometown Sydney, he won an astounding three gold medals and two silver medals, he has won ten Commonwealth Games gold medals and eight World Championship titles.
Ian Thorpe is currently the world record holder for the 200 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres freestyle, is a member of the world record relay team for the 4 x 100 metres and the 4 x 200 metres freestyle. Additionally Ian has received many outstanding awards, such as the prestigious 2002 American International Athlete Trophy - 'Worlds Most Outstanding Athlete' (formally known as the 'Jesse Owens Award') Ian was the first Australian to receive this award, three times winner of the 'World Swimmer of the Year' 2001, 1999,and 1998, was voted 2000 'Young Australian of the Year', was presented 'The Don' Award (named after the great Australian cricketer Sir Donald Bradman) - 'Athlete Who has Most Inspired the Nation' and for the past three consecutive years Ian has been named the Australian Swimmer of the Year. In 2001 was also voted the 'Most Popular World Athlete' in China and was also voted second in the 'L'Equipe Award' in France behind Michael Schumacher.
Ian's training consists of 10 sessions a week, five morning sessions and five afternoon sessions. Ian's day starts with the alarm set to go off at 4.17am and he is in the pool by 5.00am. Training finishes at 7.30am. As well the five morning sessions Ian also does two weight training and two boxing sessions each week. The afternoon sessions are two hours in length starting at 4.00pm going through to 6.00pm. Wednesday morning is a well earned sleep in, Saturday afternoon and Sunday is Ian's time to catch up with friends and family.
Growing up Ian liked hanging out with his friends, going on family holidays and computer games. He liked all sports including Little Athletics, cricket, rugby league and especially soccer, which he played for seven years. Swimming was learnt at an early age but Ian didn't start squad training until he was eight years old. Ian's older sister Christina was already training and competing at carnivals and instead of always being a spectator he decided to take up swimming as well. Ian won his first medal at the age of eight and continued swimming at the Padstow Swimming Club, a 25 metre indoor pool, coached by Jenni Ashpole and Chris Myers. At age 12 Ian joined his current coach Doug Frost and quickly moved up the ranks into the senior squad. Doug moved his squad to Sutherland Leisure Centre, a 50 metre outdoor pool, which was a more appropriate training facility, Ian was 14 years old.
Ian dominated in the pool in freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke and the individual medley events from Club through to Australian Age Championships, holding many State and Australian records in all disciplines.
1997 was an exciting year for Ian, his introduction to international swimming came when he was selected on his first Australian National team, competing at the 1997 Pan Pacific Championships held in Fukuoka Japan. He was 14 years old and the youngest male swimmer ever to represent Australia. At this meet he won two silver medals, knocking three seconds off his personal best for the 400 metres freestyle event. Ian swam the 7th fastest 400metres in Australian history.
After competing in Japan the international swimming world became aware that Ian was something special. Inspired by his two silver medals at the Pan Pacific Championships Ian was soon back in the pool training, setting himself new goals and looking forward to his next competition.
In January 1998 Ian once again amazed the world when he won a gold medal in the 400 metre freestyle becoming the youngest male World Champion at the World Championships held in front of an Australian crowd in Perth. He was also a member of the successful gold medal winning 4 x 200 metre freestyle relay team.
September 1998 Ian experienced his first Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. A close friend of Ian's, Michael Williams who at the time was recovering from cancer was able to witness first hand Ian's achievements when he attended the Games. Ian was there for Michael through his battle against the cancer - Ian was Michael's hero but it was Michael who inspired Ian - Michael's courage and determination to beat his cancer was what inspired Ian to greatness, winning 4 gold medals.
The Pan Pacific Championships in Sydney 1999 will be a meet Ian will remember forever - 'Four World Records in Four Days'. It was at this meet, again in front of a home crowd, that Ian broke his first ever World Record in the 400 metre freestyle, a race that has become his trademark. With the excitement of one world record under his belt Ian went on to break another three records over the next three days; Day 2: 200 metre freestyle semi final, Day 3: 200metre freestyle final, Day 4: 4 x 200 metre freestyle relay team member. Ian was then 16 years old. Ian broke the first world record ever at the Sydney Aquatic Centre and was presented with a $25,000 cheque for his efforts. This money Ian donated to charity, supporting Lifeline and Children's Cancer Research Australia.
With the excitement of his success from the Pan Pacific Championships behind him, the hype was building for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games in Ian's hometown. Along with the hype came the pressure and expectation of gold. Ian rose to the occasion and on Day One of the Olympic Games brought home Australia's first gold medal, in the 400 metres freestyle in World Record time.
Ian then backed up only one hour later to swim the unforgettable 4 x 100 metre freestyle relay, which was also won in world record time. In what is considered by many to be the finest relay leg of all time, Ian miraculously passed American sprint king Gary Hall Jnr, in the final five metres of the race. This was the first time in the history of the Olympics the USA 4 x100 metres men's relay team had been defeated.
Finally, the 4 x 200metre freestyle relay became Ian's third Olympic gold medal. Ian set a cracking pace in the first leg and the Australian team went on to smash the world record. To top all of this off, Ian also won two silver medals and was honoured with being chosen to carry the Australian Flag at the Closing Ceremony. This completed a magical first Olympic experience.
At the 2001 World Championships Ian returned to Fukuoka in Japan to defend his 400 metre freestyle title of which he was successful, winning gold and setting a new world record. Ian won six gold medals at this meet, an achievement never accomplished by any other swimmer as well as breaking four world records. Every swim was spectacular in front of a wildly excited Japanese crowd.
To comprehend what Ian has achieved in his short career is difficult, his achievements in the water are unbelievable as is the manner in which he manages his celebrity status. Ian knows it is important to have a balance in life and finds enjoyment in everything that he does. He admits that the 4.17am starts and his commitments to his swimming career, sponsors, media and finding the time to relax and spend time with friends and family is only possible due to the dedicated support of his family, coach and close friends.
Ian has also inspired and touched others through his charitable work. Through his experiences he has come to realise how precious life is and how important it is to love what you do everyday. He is committed to raising funds for organisations that support children who are challenged by the illnesses they are fighting. Ian believes every child should be given every opportunity to have a fulfilling life.
This commitment to children has led Ian to establish his own Trust, 'Ian Thorpe's Fountain for youth' - 'embracing humanity by nurturing children'. Along with the support of the community Ian believes together we can all make a difference in the lives of children.
Life these days for Ian mostly consists of training but in his spare time he enjoys going out with friends to the movies, surfing, shopping and relaxing at home with his family.
At only 19 years of age, it has been suggested Ian is set to become one of the most successful swimmers of all time. Ian is one of the greatest athletes Australia has ever produced and his attitude, charisma and tireless effort stand him in great stead for the future both in and out of the pool. | 