Having obtained 5 Olympic gold medals and being one of the most prolific swimmers in Aussie history doesn't protect you from having doubts or second-guessing your decisions. Case and point with Ian Thorpe as he has expressed a bit of discontent with where he is (training wise) as he goes into trials on March 15.
Thorpe commented to Australian TV station Network Ten, “The most realistic outcome of this is that I will most likely fail.” He continued by saying, “All of the expectation, that desire to see me do well, it exists for me in a way that it doesn't exist for other people.”
So, having this critical mindset mere days from the trials, does this rule out a swimmer that has claimed 11 world titles and 13 world records?
Absolutely Not!
In concluding his interview, Thorpe pointed out that this is likely to be the last attempt at an Olympic run but win or lose a spot on the Australian Olympic Team, he will not be retiring (again) anytime soon.
With all of that said, as we take a look at the start list for the trials, the best chance for Thorpe to make the team is the 200m freestyle. While the start list for this event is stacked with young talent, that could prove to be an advantage to the veteran. Currently, Thorpe is seeded in 19 at a 1:50.79. As the current Australian record holder in this event (with a 1:44.06), the athletes seeded in front are:
So, will Ian Thorpe be able to overcome the self-proclaimed late comeback or will the tardy decision hamper his efforts to make the Australian Olympic Team for a third time?
Full start list
The associated press contributed to this article.