It's Torpedo not Thorpedo

I, unlike most people am not caught up, nor am I buying the return of the 'Thropedo'. There is no doubt that Ian Thorpe was the best in the business at one point, but not swimming competitively for a touch over five years is a long time. So why is it everyone is expecting him to break records all over again?

To be honest with you, I'm not entirely sure, Australia does not need Ian Thorpe to come back and save them. Australia has a host of top class swimmers no finer than the new-boy on the block James Magunssen. I think another contributor to everyone expecting Thorpe to come back better than ever, is the failures of his apparent predecessor, Eamon Sullivan. The other obvious reason is that he is a hero in Australia and an icon, people love talking about Thorpe, be it his abnormally large feet, his new swimsuit or his sexuality.

Being a sports lover, I'm all about a good old come back, be it from 20 points down or from retirement. I, like all Australians, love an underdog, however, within reason. With Australians being well documented to suffer 'tall poppy syndrome', it takes a brave man to stick your neck out there and have a go. Though, with Ian, I am not sure why he has come out of retirement. He is risking marring the amazing dynasty he left behind, if indeed he fails, unfortunately he won't be remembered for gold medals and records. He will be remembered for his flopped comeback.

I personally don't believe Ian Thorpe will be anywhere near his explosive best, where he seemed to be the chosen one in the pool, in the way that he walked across the water. As mentioned earlier his break has been five years and I feel he has started serious preparations too late. However, with all superstars, and Ian Thorpe indeed is one, you can never be sure or write them off. I hope Thorpe reclaims the nickname Thorpedo and blows the competition out of the water once more. The sad thing is if Thorpe does not achieve the massive expectations that have been piled upon him, he will return home to a barrage of criticism from all angles. And with his 'failures' in Asia recently, I can already hear sport enthusiasts all around the world sharpening their axes waiting to take a swipe at the former world champion.