The man himself denies he’s foxing, but Ian Thorpe showed just enough on Saturday night to prove his bid for a spot on the Australian team for the London Olympics remains on track.
Thorpe is currently playing a game of poker with his rivals and their coaches around the world. At the moment he has everyone thinking he’s out of luck and down on chips. The Olympic trials in Adelaide in March could be the time where he lays down pocket aces.
The five-time Olympic champion finished fifth in the final of the 200m freestyle at the Victorian Swimming Championships on Saturday night. The performance was a huge confidence booster after he’d missed the final of the 100m freestyle on Friday.
The super fish was instantly written off after his performance in the hundred, but it seems that is merely part of the plan.
Australian swim coach Leigh Nugent explained the shorter race is actually helping his training for the 200m.
That’s the event where Thorpe could snag an all important individual spot on the team for London. A place in the relay seems the worst possible outcome.
Thorpe gave little away after his swim in the final, but it’s important these performances are put into context.
The 29 year old is currently in an extremely heavy training phase. There’s no time to slow down with the trials and the games themselves approaching fast. That means he’s being sent out to race with heavy legs and arms. It’s like a boxer walking out to the ring just after a 12-round title fight.
You can bet every effort is being made to peak just before he steps up to the blocks in Adelaide in March. No-one outside of his close inner circle will know what he’s capable of before then.
Nugent is one of the few people to see what Thorpe is doing in training and he likes what he sees. When asked just how good Thorpe’s performances have been behind closed doors the ear to ear smile on his face said it all.
There’s always an element of getting it right on the night and in a sport where fractions of a second can seem like hours everything will have to go to plan for London to become a reality.
Thorpe admitted his swim in the 200m final was sloppy. He wasn’t happy with his technique, but reminded reporters of his ability to produce when the big moments arrive.
Another one of those moments is approaching. Don’t be surprised if he exceeds expectations.
MattRusty
Roar Pro
100% correct Luke. The "story" will be bigger and better if he does it against all odds. Ironically I haven't been able to find any bookies that will give me any odds on Thorpe winning a medal at the Olympics - cause even they know that's too risky to offer odds on. Luke, do me a favor, when Thorpe wins gold in London and some irritating commentator says "no one gave him a chance" scream at the top of your voice "BULL^&*%, we all called it months ago".
jameswm
Guest
OK, maybe Thorpe is in a heavy training phase at the moment. But maybe the others all are too? Makes sense. I do think he's a good chance for the 4 x 200, but unless he's been foxing, not an individual swim, and certainly not in the 100.
Republican
Guest
How can that be. He won't even qualify for that moment.
Australian Rules
Guest
I hope you're right Luke. I was always doubtful that he could return as a genuine threat to Magnussen et al in the 100m. His body type has always suited the 200-400m better. But never discount a champion...a London gold in any event would rank as one of the greatest sports comebacks ever.