Palmer pays homage to Thorpe

Palmer faces one huge obstacle to gold

British Olympic swimming hopeful Paul Palmer has admitted to BBC Five Live that he cannot do anything to prevent Australian superstar and rival Ian Thorpe from beating him to Sydney gold.

Palmer, who races in the 200 and 400 metres freestyle, will face the prodigious talents of the 17-year-old with size 17 feet.

"My main event is the 400m freestyle and the following day is the 200m freestyle which is my secondary event and then of course there's the relay," said Palmer.

"I don't think anyone is unbeatable. But Ian Thorpe is one of those amazing guys like Tiger Woods and Michael Johnson."

Palmer believes his only advantage could be his Olympic experience which he gained in Atlanta.

Into shape

Thorpe has size 17 feet

"At the moment he is odds on favourite to win the gold in the 200 and 400. It will be his first Olympics and my third - experience counts for a lot.

"He will be under a lot of pressure with the Australian public looking on, so you never know.

"I'm not going to go there defeated but I'm going to be philosophical. I can't affect how he races but I can concentrate on my race."

Palmer is now looking forward to flying out to Sydney and getting into shape for the finals.

"There are four weeks now until I compete. There's not much time left but all the hard work is done," added the Briton.

"All I feel now is the impatience of getting the job done. Part of my preparations involves getting to Australia soaking in the atmosphere and getting used to those pre-race nerves."