Thorpe calls time on short but spectacular career

His exceptional strength, technique and ability made him one of the highest paid and immediately recognisable names in world sport.

A sign of how highly he was regarded could be seen by the wave of tributes that poured in when he surprisingly announced his retiremet in November 2006 at the age of 24.

“In fifty years from now Australians will still marvel at the feats of Ian Thorpe,` was one of many compliments paid on this occasion by Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates.

Text and Images: AFP (Any unauthorised reproduction is prohibited)

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