Hoogenband says ’special athlete’ Thorpe can win another gold in London
By ANITuesday, February 8, 2011
ABU DHABI - Former Dutch swimmer Pieter van den Hoogenband believes that five-time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe can add to his gold medal tally during the 2012 London Olympics.
“I think he can win the 100m freestyle. That would be something. To have the 400m, 200m, 100m Olympic gold medal is history, that’s amazing,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Hoogenband, as saying.
“I’m one of the few swimmers that was always next to him and when you’re always next to him … you know he’s special. When you’re racing Thorpey, his technique, he’s a special, special athlete,” he added.
Thorpe has announced that he will return to competitive swimming in a bid to contest the 2012 London Olympics.
The 28-year-old had earlier retired from swimming in 2006 following a long battle with illness and injury. (ANI)
