2023-09-07 18:00:35
Ian Thorpe’s achievements transcend the realm of swimming. His impact on the sport goes beyond medals and records, as he changed the way swimming is approached and understood. He knows his story.
Last update: September 7, 2023
In the history of swimming, there are names that shine with their own brilliance, figures who not only left a mark in the pool, but also changed the way we understand and practice this sport. One of those names is Ian Thorpe, also known as “Thorpedo”, a legendary swimmer who not only redefined the limits of speed in the water, but also starred in what has been considered the “race of the century.”
In this article, we will explore the story of Ian Thorpe and how he revolutionized swimming with his authentic crawl technique, impacting the sport and securing his place in history by winning a race that transcends time.
More than a swimmer
The story of Ian Thorpe is not only that of an exceptional swimmer, but also that of a young prodigy who entered the hearts of swimming fans around the world. With a total of five gold medals, three silver and one bronze during the Olympic GamesThorpe stands as the Australian with the most medals in Olympic history.
The race of the century
Few events in the history of swimming have captured the public’s imagination and left as deep an imprint as the so-called “race of the century” of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. That 200 meter freestyle event was not only a competition in the pool, but an epic confrontation between three of the most influential names in swimming at the time: Ian Thorpe, Pieter van den Hoogenband and Michael Phelps.
Who were they facing?
In lane two was Grant Hackett, the world record holder in that same event before Thorpe arrived on the scene. In lane three, Michael Phelps, a talented young man who was already demonstrating his ability to redefine the limits of swimming. In lane four the great Pieter van den Hoogenband. And in lane five, Ian Thorpe, the “Thorpedo”, a swimmer who had already left his indelible mark on swimming history.
An achievement that marked history
The race of the century was not only a demonstration of speed and skill on the water, but a moment when the limits of what was possible expanded. The atmosphere in the pool was charged with excitement. The world was witnessing a generational shift in competitive swimming, a battle of titans that went beyond medals and records.
The three swimmers flew through the water, Covering the first 100 meters in an astonishing 50 seconds. It was a spectacle that kept the audience on the edge of their seats, a display of speed, strength and determination. The competition not only stood out for the speed they achieved in each stroke, but also for the strategy and tactics used by each swimmer. Thorpe, with his style and technical approach, he showed that swimming was not just about strength, but about efficiency.
The last stage of the race was an exciting close, a titanic fight to touch the wall first. In that instant, Thorpe demonstrated his determination and his competitive instincts as he crossed the finish line. with a time of 1’44”71; securing his place in swimming history and establishing himself as one of the greats of his generation.
Thorpe’s impact on swimming
Not only did Ian Thorpe leave an indelible mark on the podium, but his swimming style and technique changed the way swimmers approach competitions. Through his unique technique, He showed that efficiency could overcome brute force on the water. This innovation has influenced the way coaches teach and swimmers learn, leading to a smarter and more technical approach to competitive swimming.
Ian Thorpe’s swimming style
Thorpe’s technical approach focused on efficiency. Unlike other swimmers who prioritized brute strength, “Thorpedo” He opted for a soft and fluid technique that maximized gliding through the water. His ability to keep his body in a horizontal balance in the water, with fewer strokes, showed that swimming is not only about strength, but also about intelligence and strategy.
One of the highlights of his style was his breathing pattern. Thorpe adopted a technique in which, When breathing, he left the opposite arm stretched, which allowed a smooth glide through the water, similar to the movement of an ice skater. This technique minimized resistance in the water and allowed him to maintain a constant speed without wasting energy on unnecessary movements.
Furthermore, his kick also contributed to his success in the pool. Thorpe He developed a powerful, well-coordinated kick that complemented his breaststroke style.and it helped to maintain the horizontal position in the water. This combination of efficient stroke and powerful kick gave Thorpe a unique advantage at medium distances, where stamina and technique are crucial to performance.
Thorpe’s lasting legacy
Although Ian Thorpe announced his permanent retirement from swimming in November 2006, his legacy lives on. His world record in the 400-meter freestyle still stands, a demonstration of his supremacy in the middle distances. His focus on technique and efficiency has left a lasting mark on the way swimmers train and compete today. Despite his withdrawal, Thorpe remains a beacon of inspiration for generations to come of swimmers seeking to achieve greatness in the pool.
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