‘Thorpedo’ is Out of the Water

1:44.06 – 200m freestyle
3:40.08 – 400m freestyle

For every swimmer these are dreams, for Ian Thorpe its something he calls his own. His records. These are not the only ones, he has broken 22 in all in his stupendous career. And if that does not make you jealous, how about five Olympic golds, 10 Commonwealth golds and 11 World titles. Now you understand the concept of green with envy. Don’t you ?

Australia’s prodigious swimmer and most decorated Olympian has finally retired from pro swimming at the age of 24. He formally announced his retirement on Sunday and also announced that he will not be participating in next year’s World Championships. The basic reason : breaking records is no more inspiring. But what will mere mortals like us understand, ask him who has been there and done it 22 times. Awe inspiring indeed.

The retirement announcement might be a breather for many who are still in the pool, their most feared competitor has gone. Thorpe has not just dominated the 400m freestyle event since 1998, he has consistently out performed everyone in that event. He was unbeaten in the event till 2004, when he took an year off.

From a National debut in 1996, to the Australian swimming team qualification as the youngest person ever, to the international debut in 1997. The youngest ever male individual world champion in the 400m freestyle. Claiming his first set of gold medals at the Commonwealth games to the first set of World records. Then subsequent Olympic golds and the World titles. Thorpe it seemed cannot just manage to stay away from the gold medals up for grabs. They were all supposed to land in his kitty and that’s what happened again and again.

The teenaged swimming sensation has ruled over the course, with stunning times and his trademark ‘dolphin kick’ courtesy the size 17 feet. Everything was so perfect he seemed to be custom built for swimming. Six gold medals at one World Championship should make you think like that too. Fukuoka 2001 was when he rose to the top step six times. The only man to have done so ever.

Born to parents who played cricket and an elder sister who was a swimmer, Thorpe had sporting genes from the beginning. His first coach, Doug frost whom he met aged 8 and the one with whom he claimed eight World titles called him ‘incredible talent’ at the age of 11.

Thorpe said during his retirement announcement that he is not sure about his future plans yet. Though he will stay associated with swimming in some way. He said that swimming had given him the life he lives, a security net from which he can move on. But to continue swimming he does not have the motivation. Others expect him to repeat his performances in the pool, but he himself does not feel like. So, it boils down to doing something what others expect and not something for himself. And that is what he is not willing to do.

At 6"4' Thorpe is an attractive person and already is the ambassador for Armani and has a keen interest in fashion. He has his own jewellery and underwear line. Also he reportedly earns about $2.6m each year via sponsorships. Has a big fan following and has been in many commercials too. With a sports drink called ‘Thorpedo’, after his nickname, endorsed by him in Japan.

Thorpe is one of the most popular and prominent athletes in Australia where he is rated even above the cricket legend, Don Bradman. He is a crusader against the use of drugs in swimming and outside the sport too and has been open in his criticism of the sport’s governing body, FINA about their laid back approach towards drugs in the sport.

Thorpe has also emerged as a committed philanthropist, founding the Ian Thorpe Fountain for Youth trust in 2000. The organization raises funds for research on childhood illnesses and also sponsors a school in Beijing for orphaned children with disabilities. In addition, it works with The Fred Hollows Foundation to improve health standards and living conditions in Australian aboriginal communities.

A complete package that is what Ian Thorpe seems like. The sport will miss him badly. And the records which were waiting to tumble when he was in action will have to wait a little longer for another champion to take his place.