This is Ian's message to the media and how the invasion of privacy and the constant intrusion can affect someone mentally. It's a gift to many of the parents of these children as well. This is his gift to many of our children with sporting aspirations whether in swimming or not. Perhaps overly technical in parts, but Ian certainly needed to write this book to set the record straight. I never understood the comparisons between him and Michael Phelps other than Phelps stating that he idolized Thorpe as a teenager, modelling his public image after him.Īnyway it's nice to see he's rediscovered his passion again.

In this he is very honest about the low points in his life and the reader sees how it must've been like outside the pool - a remarkable person: intelligent, determined, talented, and most importantly, human, something media didn't seem to understand. Too sensitive, very shy and very private. He is not the typical alpha male athlete. I always thought he was one of the most shy athletes I've ever seen. The flashbacks are not chronological but they won't be confusing. This is in a diary format in present when he failed bid to make the 2012 Olympic team. This book shows how he fell in love with the sport, and why he chose to come back. He was like a fish or a merman even around 15 when I first saw his swimming so when he suddenly retired too early he seemed worn down. Personally I think he is the best technical swimmer there is. If you are a fan of Ian Thorpe and/or swimming this book will suit just fine however without knowing anything about swimming or his career this will not work.

This is me ian thorpe