This interview was done a few years ago when Ian was just 15 years old. Now he's 18 and still winning swimming competitions all over the world...
The "FandVforme" team would like to welcome 15 year old swimming sensation, Ian Thorpe as our first guest on Champions in the Making.
Before we talk to Ian who has just arrived back home from swimming in Europe let me tell you a little bit about his remarkable life story.
Like most 15 year olds, Ian can appreciate the fun in watching TV, going to the beach and sleepin in, however, this talented young swimmer sees these activities as a mere distraction from a more important goal - swimming at the Olympic Games in Sydney.
At 14 Ian became the youngest male to win selection into an Australian Swimming Team ever.
His world success at the World Championships in Perth saw him become the "Youngest Male World Champion" and his team effort in the 4 x 200m relay set a new Commonwealth Record. Not bad for a 15 year old.
Ian is an A-grade student who scored in the top five percent in all but one of his subjects in his year and feels that he can easily balance his swimming career and sponsor commitments with his school work. How does he do this? By starting at 4:30am every morning - WOW!!
Megabite:
Do you have a nickname other than Thorpedo?
Ian:
Yes. I get called Thorpey from my friends and family. It was also my father's
nickname.
Megabite:
What do you like to do when you are relaxing?
Ian:
Doing normal things like watching TV, playing play station and using the computer.
Megabite:
What are your favourite fruits?
Ian:
Cherries, Apples, Pineapple and Mangoes.
Megabite:
What are your favourite vegies?
Ian:
Mushrooms, potatoes, squash and eggplant.
Megabite:
You like mushrooms - gross. Do you know what they are grown in? Hey, check
out our amazing mushroom site to find out.
Megabite:
Do you have a favourite dinner?
Ian:
Mum's veal pasta.
Megabite:
What other sporting interests do you have?
Ian:
I like watching track cycling, The Kings and The Swans.
Megabite:
Yeah, go the swannies. I bet they eat lots of fruit. How many weeks do you
train? Do you still go to school full time?
Ian:
I train 28 hours a week and do my school work by correspondence.
Megabite:
What advice do you have for other students?
Ian:
Work hard and stay positive.
Megabite:
What do you think about when you are swimming for a medal?
Ian:
I don't swim for medals, I swim to do my best and because I enjoy it. Not
for any other reward.
Megabite:
Do you have a personal motto?
Ian:
Don't judge the height of the mountain until you have reached the top.
Megabite:
Gee thanks Ian for talking to me today. Me and all my friends wish you the
best and we will be cheering for you every time you jump in the pool.
Ian:
Hey Megabite, see you later, the coach is calling.
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