Thorpe powers to another victory
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ian Thorpe, who has set or bettered 10 world records in the last two years, cruised to victory in yesterday in his final competitive swim before his Olympic debut next month.
Ian Thorpe, who has set or bettered 10 world records in the last two years, cruised to victory in yesterday in his final competitive swim before his Olympic debut next month.
The 17-year-old "Thorpedo," who holds world records in the 200 metre and 400m freestyle - and is favourite to win both at the Sydney Games - touched in 1min 48.9sec to win the 200m race at the Melbourne Grand Prix. Britain's Paul Palmer placed second in 1:50.46 and Australia's Grant Hackett was third in 1:50.51.
The Russian sprinter, Alex Popov, chasing an unprecedented third successive 50m and 100m freestyle Olympic double, warmed up for his third Games by winning both races in yesterday's competition. He was slow off the blocks but clocked 22.34sec to edge Australian, Brett Hawke, in the 50m.
Popov said he was focusing more on beating the competition in Sydney than making history. "I'm not trying to chase [gold], the thing is that I've done it before and I can't lose anything," he said. "But the others are aiming at it and I just have to stop them."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments