Olympics - End gold medal targets, says Australian Thorpe


Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe attends a news conference in Mumbai, India, June 16, 2016. REUTERS/Shailesh Andrade

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Swimmer Ian Thorpe, Australia's most decorated Olympian, has called on national bodies to stop setting gold medal targets as it puts too much pressure on athletes.

Speaking at an Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) summit on "Athlete Wellbeing" on Tuesday, the fives-times Olympic gold-medallist and 11-times world champion said the focus should be on athletes representing the country "well".

Subscribe now to our Premium Plan for an ad-free and unlimited reading experience!
   

Next In Swimming

Malaysian quartet finish fifth for best show since 2010
Pan-tastic as teen swimmer adds to China's golden glow at Asian Games
No splash in the pool but Jayden not the least jaded
Arvin excited to race and give good fight against Asia’s best
Keng Liat calls on Hoe Yean and Co to end chase for medals at Asiad
Jinq En hoping it will be smooth sailing in the pool
Aspiring dentist Jayden ready to push for new national mark in 400IM
Swimming-Olympic champion Titmus has surgery to remove benign tumours
Swimming-Peaty plays down bust-up with Olympic team mate Greenbank
Swimming-Russian and Belarusian athletes given green light to compete as neutrals

Others Also Read