I doubt that yesterday's announcement of Ian Thorpe's retirement from competitive swimming surprised many Aussies. He'd taken time off, missed some major championships, struggled with illness and motivation. From the age of 14 or 15 he's been in the news, and besides carrying the weight of our sports-obsessed population into every Games at which he's competed he's also become a red carpet celebrity. No wonder the poor guy needs a break, although I very much doubt that will be out of the public eye. He already has media contracts and a stock exchange listed company and underwear and jewelry labels. Oh, and even a racehorse named after him. Although we sure will miss him on the dais when the next Olympics come around, Thorpie is not going to go away. I figure he will be a success at whatever he takes on. He's that kind of champion.
posted by Bronwyn Jameson @ 8:02 AM
