Double glory for Thorpe

Double delight for Sydney's best

A majestic Ian Thorpe stood high on the Olympic podium and saluted the crowd after winning the 400m freestyle and the first gold medal for Australia at the Games.

Moments later the 17-year-old prodigy found his reserves of energy to swim one of the finest final legs seen in Olympic competition to help his country defeat the Americans in the 4x100m freestyle relay.

It was a remarkable achievement on the first day of the pool events as the 17,500 crowd who came to the Homebush Bay indoor centre witnessed a legend in the making.

The local boy from Sydney delivered at the right time and at the perfect occasion as he destroyed all who came before him in the mens' 400m freestyle and broke the world record by nearly a second, in a time of 3 minutes 40.59 seconds.

Kitted in an all-in-one wetsuit, the 17-year-old stood out from the crowd and never looked like losing the three length lead he established in the opening 25 metres.

Thorpe moved almost effortlessly in the pool as the swimmers behind him, led by Massimiliano Rosolino of Italy and Klete Keller of America, tried in vain to make up the difference.

'Amazing'

"It was pretty amazing in front of my own crowd and it was just fortunate I was able to perform well in front of them. It really was a dream come true," said Thorpe.

Destroyed the field in the 400m

"I'm on such a high and now I've come through in this style and fashion (it) proves me in my training and everything I do."

Thorpe had to prepare himself, both mentally and physically for the challenge which lay ahead of him - helping his team beat the Americans in the relay.

It was left to the "Thorpedo" to swim the final leg.

The added responsibility did not deter the teenage star who pulled back the American with every stroke and sent the crowd into raptures as he touched home fractions in front.

"I found energy from somewhere," added Thorpe.

"The guys swam great first three legs and so I had to support them."

It is a likely bet that the Sydney Olympics have not seen the last of Ian Thorpe.