Thorpe retires from swimming

[hampster 0]

Thorpe retires from swimming

Tuesday November 21, 2006

Australia's greatest-ever swimmer Ian Thorpe has quit,

announcing in a press conference his intention,

to withdraw from professional competition.

In a prepared statement to the packed conference,

Thorpe said his battle with sickness and the revelation that,

there was more to life than swimming had led to his decision.

That revelation had come after his recovery and return to fitness.

As I got fit, my mind got fit,]

and I started asking questions,he said.

'What's the relevance of swimming to my life,

what would my life be like without swimming?

I haven't balanced out my life as well as what I should have,

Although the 24-year-old said he felt intense pressure to continue swimming,

that pressure was coming from others, not from himself.

It would be dishonest to myself, and to everyone else,

if I were to continue on that basis, he said.

I've reached all the dizzy heights of this sport,

for all of that I'm extremely appreciative.

When asked whether a comeback was possible,

the five-time Olympic champion was dismissive.

I don't see myself competing again, it won't happen.

I won't rule anything out,

I never rule anything out,but it just won't happen.

Great Career Great Guy and a True Australian Champion

Cheers

Paul

Edited November 21, 2006 by hampster

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

How odd that this post should come when I post about the only people who should be allowed to wear speedos are the Australian swimming team -- the Thorpedo looked good a speedo, that is for sure.

[aussiewench 9]

He went through high school with one of my sons. He's a great guy too. All the best to him Now the rest of the world will have a chance, now they don't have to compete with Thorpey's flippers. Loved to watch Thorpey swim....awesome and a real champion.

[hampster 0]

ALL TOGETHER NOW !!!!

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OI OI OI