I was actually looking forward to this mornings swimming. I had never seen Ian Thorpe swim live, after all the build up to the big event everyone was looking forward to seeing where he had come to with his training and what he could do under all this pressure. I didn't think that he had it in him. He proved me wrong, he blew everybody away, His heat swim was outstanding! He really showed why he was the best. Right from the start, he was in front, his stroke was smooth and neat. He was pulling away from the field with every lap, come the home stretch he took his foot right off of the peddle! His stroke slowed, force faded, and participants passed. The crowd confused watched him ease into the end. He wouldn't blow out a candle. The King was back!
 |
| The Thorpeedo |
The finals session had sold out in anticipation of Thorpe's performance. After many efforts from other Olympic candidates, Thorpe's time was nigh, to back up from the heats and progress toward the final. The crowd was bursting with excitement. Out from the blocks as the heats! Powering through the first half of the race like a legend! Something was wrong, the swim looked so much harder than it was supposed to be. It really showed in the back end of the race too. Slowing he was passed by men much stronger, left behind he was forced to face the media. "What happened?" The crowd sat silent. After his awe inspiring swim of promise he finished 11th, far from what was expected. His comeback ceased, we walked with many questions unanswered.
 |
| Picking up the pieces. |
