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Begg-Smith and Thorpey: a tale of two champions

Ian Thorpe returns to swimming, photo via Foxsports
Roar Pro
4th February, 2014
16

In the past two days, two of Australia’s greatest Olympic achievers have been in the news. Both Dale Begg-Smith and Ian Thorpe have hit the headlines for behaviour different to the somewhat dreamy images.

For those who need reminding, Thorpe, with his big feet and pure black wetsuit, is arguably the greatest swimmer this country has produced.

Begg-Smith, the shy millionaire who probably learnt most of his knowledge of Australia from his Canadian geography text, is arguably this country’s greatest achiever on the white powder.

Both men appear introverted and uneasy with the fact they are successful athletes, let alone successful people.

Both men appear underwhelmed and almost detached whenever a camera, microphone or reporter are anywhere nearby.

And both men, although great Australian champions, prefer to reside in the quieter parts of the world, where they can go about their lives without the burden of being successful athletes.

If Thorpe has ever taken a sideways glance towards Begg-Smith, he must envy the solitude and the large amount of privacy Begg-Smith has.

Remember at some point in 2013, Australian Olympic officials could not locate where Begg-Smith was or whether he would even compete in his favoured event again.

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After the events of this week, Thorpe can only dream that scenario could be his.

Ian Thorpe has always been a divisive figure.

On the one hand, there is the supreme athlete who as soon as he leapt of the blocks, you knew a shiny gold medal would come his way.

The athlete who made black wetsuits a must have item of fashion. The athlete who inspired countless young men and women to make that early morning march down to the local pool to do laps rather then remain in their warm beds.

On the other hand, there is Thorpe the person. The man who stands before a camera with the awkward smile and shy appearance.

The man whose mannerisms and appearance have caused his sexuality to be debated more then his actual achievements.

The man who has such private battles with major disorders, yet repeatedly is pushed out into the public environment in order to push the interests of those who pay his bills.

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For both Begg-Smith and Thorpe, the bright lights that appear with their success seem to only highlight the dark spots.

Yet their reserved appearances can’t seem to move the lights away, to the dismay of both men.

Both men are champions in their respective disciplines. However their greatest wishes might just well be to be left alone so they can progress from being the champion athlete to the champion human beings they crave to be.

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