Ian Thorpe

Full Name: Ian James Thorpe
Nationality: Australia
Born: October 13, 1982
Birthplace: Sydney, Australia
Specialty: Freestyle
Height: 6’5”

Major Achievements/ Accomplishments:
- Has won 5 Olympic Gold Medals
- Has won 11 World Championship Gold Medals, including 6 in the 2001 World Championships
- Was named the most successful athlete in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games (with three golds and two silvers)
- Became the youngest male to ever represent Australia at 14 years old in the 1998 Perth World Championships
- Has set a total of 17 World Records during his career

Interesting Facts:
After retiring on November 21, 2006, Thorpe later staged a comeback nearly 6 years later, competing in the 100 and 200 meter freestyle events at the 2012 Australian Olympic Trials. However, he failed to qualify for the Olympics. Thorpe has said that he will continue to train, though, with his sights set on qualifying for the World Championships in 2013.

Personal Comments:
Ian Thorpe is known as the best freestyler of all time. Even after many obstructions in his path to success, including bronchitis, a disqualification at the Australian Olympic Trials in 2004, a strain of glandular fever, a broken hand, obsessive media attention, a 6-year retirement, a failed comeback, rumours of drug use and criticisms and speculations of his sexuality, he has still fought on to be the best that he can be. His achievements speak for themselves, however his personal life is something to consider; he is perhaps the most persevering swimmers of all time and an absolute legend.