Thorpedo carks it

Ian Thorpe, the champion Australian swimmer, passed away today.

At least thats what you might think based on the news this afternoon. Actually he’s merely retired from swimming, saying swimming is no longer a priority in his life and he wants to explore other challenges.

Tributes flew thick and fast.

From John Howard and Mark Vaile, wishes for all the best in his future. From fellow swimmers Grant Hackett, Shane Gould and Dawn Fraser, thanks for his contribution to the sport.

Kim Beasley had this to say:

“He has been a terrific swimmer, a terrific athletic example to Australians for - in a man so young - a very lengthy period of time,” he said.

“He’s our greatest Olympian and he will be missed.”

(sounds suspiciously like Kim thinks Thorpe has indeed snuffed it.)

I thought Australian Olympic Committee head, John Coates had the best perspective on it

“He is our most successful Olympian ever. He has [been] and I’m sure will remain an inspiration to many children.

“People are saying was he under too much pressure, but you’ve got to remember he went to two Olympics and 24 is old for a swimmer.

“Not too many of them, particularly the males, go past that. He’s had a very long and distinguished career in world swimming.

Thats pretty much what I thought, hardly surprising that a 24 year old retire from swimming. He’s had a long and illustrious career and done himself and Australia proud at Olympics and other championships. He has been the best swimmer I can remember in the time I’ve watched the sport, by quite some margin.