SYDNEY, 23 June 2003 — Ian Thorpe yesterday warned about the health risks confronting top-level swimmers in pursuit of medal glory.
The multi world-record holder is in the final stages of preparing for next month’s world championships in Barcelona and went through his paces at a local grand prix meet here this weekend. Thorpe was struck down by a meningitis-type illness earlier this year that spoiled his Australian championships and ruled him out of the Duel in The Pool against America. Swimmers are prone to illness during intensive training because their bodies and immune systems are pushed to the limit.
“You know if you’re feeling a little bit off you have to be careful and cut back on some things,” Thorpe said in his last competition before the world titles.
