via www.theaustralian.com.au: "Thorpe had expected to be absolutely hammered when he returned to racing after a five-year retirement, and his prediction was realised when he swam the 15th-fastest time of the morning heats, 50.21sec, in a modest 100m field."
GMM NOTE: 50.21 is 2-3 seconds off Thorpe's speed from when he was at the height of his career. While many consider this a "free flop," if you're a Thorpe fan, don't fret.
A great swimmer by the name of Pablo Morales came back after a long break. Pablo, like Thorpe, had a lot of weight to lose, and even more speed to gain in a short period of time, a very similar period of time. Pablo did it, back in 1992, but he needed every month, week and day of training to get there. Pablo didn't match his speed from his hey-day until the Olympic race final...
Hopefully, Thorpe will squeeze in, make it to the 2012 Games. I think the Olympics, and swimming as a whole, will be better served if Thorpe is in London.
Yeah! Right, nothing to be afraid of indeed. :D
Posted by: ragnor relay | November 09, 2011 at 06:22 PM
Agreed, a little patience required with Thorpe - people too quick to judge.
Posted by: Nicole | November 08, 2011 at 08:07 PM