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You are in: Swimming: Features |  |
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Thorpedo's tips for the top | |
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Around the Academy: |
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Thorpe won a Commonwealth gold when he was 15
How do you cope with the pressure of a big final?
Finals are usually in the evening so I've had all day to gear up for it. I always make sure I'm back at the pool in good time to do my warm-up. I don't worry about anyone around me - just about my own performance. When I dive in I let the preparation do all the work. It's not about winning - it's about getting a time which I'm satisfied with.
Once the final's over I head home and get some sleep. It may not sound like an exciting day but it is worth it for the victory! Early swimming days I made the national team when I was just 14 which meant a lot to me. When I was 15, I won gold in the 200m freestyle at the Commonwealth Games and also became world champion. I know I'm extremely fortunate because I had an opportunity that I never thought I would have at a very young age. In Kuala Lumpa, people were always fascinated by my age but more by my size 17 feet! It also took a lot of hard work. Training I train around 35 hours a week which means I probably swim around 120 km over the seven days. I guess that is probably more than a lot of people drive! I do two swimming sessions a day, seven days a week. On top of all my mileage I do plenty of weight and fitness work in the gym and even some boxing too. It's very hard work and the early mornings are tough but I enjoy the challenge.
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