Young achievers
Ian Thorpe
The word 'Thorpedo' should find its way into the dictionary soon. And it should mean a freshly made bomb, an explosive packed with the powers of the human body at its peak.
Ian James Thorpe was fist selected for the Australian national swimming team at age 14. And he was soon breaking world records with every flick of his large arms and feet.
Many would say he is genetically geared to smash records created by mere mortals. Thorpe stands 6 foot 5 inches tall and the greatest middle distance swimmer of his time unleashes a trademark power surge at the fag end of every race -- called a six-beat kick - to leave his rivals behind.
He owns the 400 metre freestyle event, and has powered the Australian relay teams to unprecedented success. He has won five Olympic gold medals, the highest by an Australian. And he has broken a world record - either individually or as part of a team - a record 22 times.
Incidentally, Thorpe went to the same school as cricketers Mark and Steve Waugh. And Thorpe's father was a cricketer.
Something tells us many are glad Thorpe followed his sister's interest in swimming.