Training coming together: Ian Thorpe

18/05/2011
Ian Thorpe is satisfied with his progress but is not underestimating the challenges that lie ahead in his comeback to swimming.
The 28-year-old, who is targeting a place on the team for next year's London Olympics, has arrived in Australia to touch base with head coach Leigh Nugent before returning to his Switzerland training base at the end of the week.
A fit-looking Thorpe addressed the media in Sydney today and was not getting carried away when asked about his progress.
"I'm satisfied," Thorpe said.
"I'm content where I'm at but I have a lot to do.
"Satisfied doesn't mean I'm there, by no means, I'm not at all. But I'm happy with where I'm at."
The five-time Olympic gold medalist added of his recent physical transformation: "I'm starting to look like a swimmer again."
Thorpe recently completed a gruelling 10-day block of high altitude training in Switzerland, where he is working under Russian mentor Gennadi Touretski.
"It's something that really tests the capacities that we have, so it was good," Thorpe said.
Thorpe is likely to make his competitive return at the World Cup series meet in Singapore in November, with an appearance at December's Queensland state titles likely to be his first race in Australia.
Thorpe on Wednesday confirmed speculation he would target only the 100m and 200m freestyle events in his comeback, dropping the 400m, an event in which he claimed gold at the Athens and Sydney Games.
"I honestly don't think I'd have enough time to do anything for the 400m," he said.
"Already with what I'm doing in the timeframe that I have, it's a tough ask."


Training coming together: Ian Thorpe
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/5022032/Training-coming-together-Ian-Thorpe

Ian Thorpe in Sydney, after high-altitude training in Switzerland.