Thorpedo powers back into contention

The rumours had been circulating for months – people had seen him training here, there and everywhere. Finally, they were confirmed with Australia’s biggest name in swimming, five gold medaller Ian Thorpe, saying he will come back to the pool with the aim of competing at London 2012.

He was all smiles at his buzzing media conference, and the next day SPLASH! went down to his eponymously named pool in Ultimo to witness his training session.

The former king of the pool glided effortlessly up and down the water like a shark cruising in an aquarium. Then he flicked the switch, and the water pulsated as he surged through it, showing his raw power. There was little doubt – he was back.

Swimming Australia National Head Coach Leigh Nugent said he was excited that Thorpe had decided to resurrect his career. And who wouldn’t be – one of the most popular athletes Australia has ever known, and a great role model for Nugent’s younger swimmers.

“He can only do good things for the team,” says Nugent. “Having Geoff [Heugill] in the team was great. Ian will take it to another level.”

Nugent is pleased with his progress, and thinks he’ll be ready for London come 2012.

“I reckon he looks pretty good – he’s swimming very well,” he says. “He’s a great athlete, and he’s made to be in the water. He should be able to get himself ready for the Olympics no trouble at all. Anyone, if they’re determined, could get themselves ready in a year.”

Nugent says Thorpe is a technically minded person who is very keen to get feedback from the coaches. His speed through the water is still his strength, but he needs some assistance with his turns and underwater work.

Thorpe was all smiles at the training session, seeming to relish the limelight – although he has asked for privacy for the rest of his build-up to the trials to be held in March 2012.

He admits he looked easy in the water, but pointed out it takes a lot of work to look so smooth.

“There’s a lot of training and a lot of things going on behind that smoothness,” he says.

He looks lighter than tabloid photos from a few years ago, but says he still needs to lose about another 5kg.

The 28-year-old Thorpe intends to concentrate on the 100m freestyle and the 200m freestyle, and will be competing without his trademark suit.

He will train outside Australia to avoid media attention, including spending some time at Abu Dhabi.