Ian Thorpe of Australia
Australian Ian Thorpe (Thorpedo) is one of the world’s most prolific swimmers.
Ian Thorpe has broken 23 world records, medaled 9 times in the Olympics and won 11 World Championship titles (the most ever).
In November of 2006 Ian Thorpe announced his retirement, citing his lost desire for world-class swimming, and "there are things in my life that are more important to me and I have to pursue them now".
Ian James Thorpe (born 13 October 1982 in Sydney, Australia), nicknamed the Thorpedo or Thorpey, is a former Australian freestyle swimmer.
Thorpe has won five Olympic gold medals, the most won by any Australian, and in 2001 he became the first person to win six gold medals in one World Championship. In total, Ian Thorpe has won eleven World Championship golds, the second-highest number of any swimmer.
Ian Thorpe's success has been attributed to a work ethic, mental strength, powerful kick, ability to accelerate and having a physiology suited to swimming.
Ian Thorpe's Gold Medal Performance, 200m Freestyle
Athens Summer Olympics 2004
Ian Thorpe Swimming Achievements
2004 Olympic Games, Athens
- Gold 200m Freestyle
- Gold 400m Freestyle
- Silver 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay
- Bronze 100m Freestyle
2003 World Championships - Barcelona Spain
- 1st 200m Freestyle
- 1st 400m Freestyle
- 1st 4x200m Freestyle
- 2nd 200m individual medley
2001 World Championships - Japan
- 1st 200m Freestyle
- 1st 400m Freestyle
- 1st 800m Freestyle
- 1st 4 x 100m Freestyle
- 1st 4 x 200m Freestyle
- 1st 4 x 100m Medley
2000 Olympic Games, Sydney
- Gold 400m Freestyle
- Gold 4 x 100m Freestyle
- Gold 4 x 200m Freestyle
- Silver 200m Freestyle
- Silver 4 x 100m medley
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
NBC 2008 Beijing Olympics Set Record as Most-Viewed Event in US TV History.
Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics NBC Television Ratings
NBC Universal's Beijing Olympic coverage was viewed by more Americans than any event in U.S. television history, according to data provided by Nielsen Media Research. NBCU's coverage reached 214 million total viewers, shattering the previous mark set by the 1996 Atlanta Olympics (209M) by five million viewers and surpassing the 2004 Athens Games (203M) by 11 million viewers.
Kenya's Samuel Kamau Wansiru Sets New Olympic Record to Win Beijing Olympics Marathon.
Men's Olympic Marathon: Samuel Kamau Wansiru Gold, Jaouad Gharib Silver, Tsegay Kebede Bronze
Samuel Kamau Wansiru of Kenya set a new Olympic Record in the marathon with a time of 2:06:32 to win the Beijing Olympics Marathon. Wansiru is the first marathoner representing Kenya to ever win a Men's Marathon at the Olympics.
Olympics Women's Soccer: United States Defeats Brazil 1 - 0 to Capture Back-to-Back Olympic Golds
USA Olympic Team Captain Christine Rampone & Teammates Give Views on Winning Gold Medal
The United States defeated Brazil by a score of 1 - 0 in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics women's soccer final. The only goal of the match coming in the sixth minute of extra time (96') from Carli Lloyd. Lloyd blasted a left-footed shot from outside the box that caught the lower left-hand corner of the goal.
Marathoners Jaouad Gharib & Mubarak Hassan Shami Preview 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics Men's Marathon
Men's Marathon at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
This year's Olympic Marathon is even more difficult to predict given the deep field of highly talented runners which is compounded by the summer heat, humidity and often-talked about Beijing pollution.
If Beijing's pollution is to play a part in these Olympics, the Men's Olympic Marathon race is the likeliest of candidates to be impacted.
Oddly enough, the fastest time run in an Olympics Marathon was at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games. Los Angeles is known for its notorious smog conditions.
Cuban Olympian Dayron Robles Shares his Impressions on Men's Hurdles Gold Medal and the Absence of China's Liu Xiang
Cuban Olympian Dayron Robles Wins Men's 110 meter Hurdles at 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
Dayron Robles claimed Olympic gold in the 110m hurdles in Beijing. The 110-meters hurdles event took place without former World record holder and Athens 2004 Summer Olympics Gold Medalist Liu Xiang of China who pulled out due to injury. Robles went on to comfortably win the gold medal, posting a time of 12.93 seconds in the Men's 110-meter hurdles final.
Olympics Women's Gymnastics: American Nastia Liukin Leaves Beijing with 5 Medals
USA Women's Gymnast Nastia Liukin Celebrates Her 5 Gymnastics Medals
Nastia Liukin earned her fifth Olympic medal, a silver medal in the balance beam final, on August 19 at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Nastia's most impressive victory was in the much coveted women's individual all-around gold medal. She barely beat fellow American Shawn Johnson by 0.6 points.
Germany's Britta Heidemann Shares her Impressions on Fencing Gold Medal
Germany's Britta Heidemann Wins Womens Individual Epee Fencing at 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
Germany’s fencing gold medalist Britta Heidemann is something of a celebrity in China, having spent three months here at the age of 15. A Chinese student at Cologne University, the 26 year old became the centre of media attention when she fielded press conference questions in Chinese at the Beijing Olympics. Fans have affectionately named her ‘little moon.’
8-time Gold Medalist Michael Phelps
American Swimmer Michael Phelps Wins 8th Gold Medal
Strokes His Way to History at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
Michael Phelps set the record for most gold medals in a single Olympics, winning his eighth gold medal of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games as a member of the winning American 4x100 medley relay team.
100-Meter Hurdles Silver Medalist Sally McLellan of Australia: 'It's Just so Exciting for Me'
Australia's Sally McLellan Silver Medalist Women's 100-meter Hurdles at 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
Australia's Sally McLellan surprisingly won a silver medal in the women's 100 metres hurdles at the Beijing Olympics. Sally's pure joy and refreshing celebration at the end of the 100 meter hurdle finals with bronze medalist Priscilla Lopes-Schliep of Canada has touched many. In Australia, she has become the darling of the country and achieved instant celebrity status.
Great Britain's Christine Ohuruogu Winning Women's Olympic 400-meter Gold Has Not Sunk in Yet
Christine Ohuruogu Wins 400 meters at 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
While winning the Olympic 400-meter gold medal has not sunk in yet, Christine Ohuruogu of Great Britain says she is 'very happy.' Christine Ohuruogu is the first British woman to win the Olympic 400 meters.
Olympic Record Breaking Britta Steffen: 'I Swam With my Eyes Closed'
Double Gold Medal Winning Swimmer Britta Steffen of Germany
Olympic Record breaking and double gold medal winning Britta Steffen of Germany says she swam the first 50 meters of the 100m Freestyle final with her eyes closed to avoid being distracted by her opponents.
Chris Hoy of Great Britain Wins 3 Gold Medals in Cycling; First Brit to Win 3 Gold Medals in a single Olympics
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics: Men's Cycling Gold Medalist
Having made Olympic history, Great Britain's cycling star Chris Hoy said he felt like he was in a dream. Chris Hoy became the first British athlete in 100 years to win three gold medals in a single Olympics. During the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, Chris Hoy won gold medals in the men's sprint, the team sprint and the Keirin event.
Great Britain's Cycling Gold Medalist Victoria Pendleton: "It's Something Completely Special"
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics: Women's Track Cycling Gold Medalist
Victoria Pendleton defeated Anna Meares of Australia to earn her Olympic gold medal in the women's track cycling sprint finals. The 27-year-old explains in her interview that without the disappointment of the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics, she wouldn’t have modified her training program for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.
Argentina vs. Nigeria 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics Soccer Finals
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics: Men's Soccer Final Argentina vs. Nigeria
In an interview ahead of Saturday's Soccer Olympic final, Nigerian football coach Samson Siasia believes Nigeria can win the gold medal
Spitz Comparisons Motivated Phelps to Achieve Record
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics: Mark Phelps Interview on Mark Spitz Achievement as Motivation
After winning a record eight gold medals in one Olympics, U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps says he was partially motivated by people saying no one could ever duplicate Mark Spitz’s achievement.
Nelson Evora of Portugal Wins Men’s Triple Jump
2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Gold Medal: Nelson Evora Men's Triple Jump
Nelson Evora won the men's triple jump at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Evora won the gold medal with a jump of 17.67 meters beating silver medalist Phillips Idowu of Great Britain by 5 centimeters (17.62 meters). Leevan Sanders of the Bahamas won the bronze medal with a triple jump of 17.59 meters. This is the first Olympic Gold Medal in 12 years for Portugal and only the third gold medal for Portugal in Track & Field ever.
Michael Phelps on Winning His 8 Gold Medals, the USA Swim Team, His Support & Motivation at Beijing
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics: Michael Phelps Interview
After surpassing Mark Spitz' performance of winning seven Gold medals in one Olympic Games with eight of his own, Michael Phelps says that he is ready to get more gold medals at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.
Russian Pole Vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva Wins Gold, Sets New World Record
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics Gold Medalist
Yelena Isinbayeva -- who has dominated women's pole vaulting since wining at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics -- said she did not want to disappoint her fans by only winning the gold medal and not breaking her own world record at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.
100 Meter Sprinter Derrick Atkins of the Bahamas is 'Beyond Hungry' for Gold
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
Despite finishing second in the 2007 World Championships (Osaka, Japan) with a time 9.91 seconds, Derrick Atkins is not considered a favorite to medal in the 100 meters at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Leading up to the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics the focus on the 'World's Fastest Man' Title has been on Tyson Gay, Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell. Derrick Atkins makes a great case as to why he should not be merely an afterthought in the Men's 100 meters.
2004 Olympic Men's 400 Meter Champion Jeremy Wariner is Excited to Get Closer to the First Round
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
One month after losing to fellow American LaShawn Merritt in the US Olympic trials in July, two-time Olympic and World Champion 400 meter runner Jeremy Wariner talks about Merritt, his mental preparations for the event and how he plans to defend the 400m gold medal he won in Athens.
Women's 200 Meter Champion Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica: "Everybody in the Final is a Contender"
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
Olympic 200 meter Champion Veronica Campbell-Brown explains that Allyson Felix will be her main rival for the Olympic crown but also that everybody who makes it to the final has a good chance of winning.
American 100 Meter Sprinter Darvis Patton: "Usain Bolt is a Freak of Nature"
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
America's Darvis Patton shares his thoughts on his chances of medal at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics ahead of the 100 meter final on August 16. His expected competitors for the gold medal are World Champion Tyson Gay, former world record holder Asafa Powell and Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, who Patton has described as a ‘freak of nature’.
American Pole Vaulter Jennifer Stuczynski: "I Will Clear the Same Heights as Yelena Isinbayeva"
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
America's Jennifer Stuczynski says it's only a matter of time before she is clearing the same heights as the Olympic and World Record holder Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia.
100 Meters Sprinter Asafa Powell Looks to be Peaking Just in Time
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
With 3 consecutive victories on the Grand Prix Circuit in the Men's 100 meters, Asafa Powell appears to have emerged as the favorite to win the Men's 100 meters at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.
French Cyclist Jeannie Longo Competing in Her 7th Olympics
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
For French Cyclist Jeannie Longo the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics will be her seventh time competing in the Olympics. Even though she's almost a half-century old (born October 31, 1958), Longo is still setting her sights high.
Roger Federer Aiming for Gold in Olympics Tennis
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer has lost his world number one ranking but is gunning for Gold in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics tennis championship. As one of Switzerland's main medal hopes, he will be carrying his nation's flag during the opening ceremony on Friday.
Ian Thorpe, Australia, Mens Swimming
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
Britta Steffen, Germany, Women's Swimming
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
Martyn Rooney, Great Britain, Men's 400 Meters
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
The World's Fastest Men Speak Out Ahead of the Aviva London Grand Prix
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
Beijing Summer Olympics Men's Javelin Defending Olympics Champion Andreas Thorkildson
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
Norwegian Olympic javelin gold medalist Andreas Thorkildson says that in addition to training hard, luck will play a big part in preserving his title in Beijing in August
Beijing Summer Olympics Men's Triple Jump Favorite Nelson Evora
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
Triple Jump Favorite Nelson Evora of Portugal discusses his standing as the favorite in the Men's Triple Jump at this summer's Olympics
Games to Set New Standard for Anti-Doping Efforts
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
The anti-doping effort at the Beijing Summer Games will be more extensive than ever, says the International Olympic Committee (IOC). More than 4,500 tests will be administered, amounting to 25 percent more than those conducted in the 2004 Games in Athens and 90 percent more than the number of tests in Sydney in 2000.
Team USA Track and Field Roster Set for Beijing
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
An experienced American team featuring 15 Olympic medalists, 31 World Outdoor Championships medalists and 11 individual outdoor American record holders will represent the United States in track & field competition at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
Yelena Isinbayeva Ready to Beat Her Pole Vault World Record in Beijing
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
Yelena Isinbayeva is considered the favorite for the upcoming Beijing Olympics (August 8 - 24). She won the 2004 Olympic Gold Medal with a new World Record (then 4.91 m). On July 22, 2005, Yelena Isinbayeva became the first female pole vaulter to clear 5.00 metres.
NBC to Provide Unprecedented Coverage of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
NBC Universal, broadcasting its record 11th Olympics, will present an unprecedented 3,600 hours of Beijing Olympic Games coverage, the most ambitious single media project in history.
Sprinter Tyson Gay Shares His Expectations for the Beijing Olympics
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
American sprinter Tyson Gay recently made headlines for his 9.68-second win in the 100-meter dash during the Olympic trials (June 29, 2008). Tyson Gay is considered one of the favorite contenders for the upcoming Beijing Olympics (August 8 - 24).
100-Meter Record Holder, Michael Phelps Interview 8 Gold Medals, Support & Motivation in Beijing
2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
Since establishing the world record of 9.72 seconds in the 100-meter race at the Reebok Grand Prix on May 31, 2008, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is one of the most eagerly-awaited athletes of the upcoming Beijing Olympics.