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106th out of 196 books
—
132 voters
This Is Me
Ian Thorpe's achievements in the water are nothing short of phenomenal. He has won a record-holding eleven World Championship titles and ten Commonwealth Games gold medals. He has broken twenty-two world records and won five gold, three silver and one bronze Olympic medals. Having been under the spotlight since he was a young teenager, Thorpe retired from competitive swimm...more
Hardcover, 308 pages
Published
November 2012
by Simon & Schuster Ltd
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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. Here's the wiki page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Thorpe
Personally I think he is the best technical swimmer there is. His movement in the water is like art. 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. This book shows how he fell in love with the...more
Personally I think he is the best technical swimmer there is. His movement in the water is like art. 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. This book shows how he fell in love with the...more
Perhaps overly technical in parts, but Ian certainly needed to write this book to set the record straight. This is his gift to many of our children with sporting aspirations whether in swimming or not. It's a gift to many of the parents of these children as well. This is Ian's message to the media and how the invasion of privacy and the constant intrusion can affect someone mentally. A person who is personable and gregarious can barely manage the strain of media scrutiny so it is a lonely road w...more
This book is part biography, part diary. It details Ian Thorpe's attempt to gain selection in the Australian Swimming Team competing at the London 2012 Olympics, but also recounts various events in his life as an elite swimmer.
The first chapter is dated '1 August 2011' and the last '26 July 2012'. Each chapter begins with a diary-like entry outlining Thorpe's attempts to recapture his elite level swimming form after a break of four years. Each chapter then turns into a reminiscence about events...more
The first chapter is dated '1 August 2011' and the last '26 July 2012'. Each chapter begins with a diary-like entry outlining Thorpe's attempts to recapture his elite level swimming form after a break of four years. Each chapter then turns into a reminiscence about events...more
Thorpe's autobiography follows him all the way from his childhood in Sydney right up to the London Olympics. This is a man who has had highs and lows away from the pool, who has led an extraordinary life of an elite athlete that most of us will never know, who has faced up to his own demons, and who has the courage to come back and stake his claim for the ultimate goal once more. Overall it was an easy read that was very interesting and inspired me to get back into swimming myself!
Ian Thorpe - I was surprised at his knowledge world affairs and impressed by his intelligence. I have read quite a few sporting autobiographies, but although I enjoyed this one and finished it quite quickly, it didn't grab me like I thought it would. I didn't like him chopping and changing themes in his writing. That said, I am eagerly awaiting Barcelona 2013 World Championships to see what he can do!
great read. Ian is such a incredible talented humble and down to earth person. has lived an extraordinary life. He is a great role model to all Australian. this book details the hardship of being so young and talented and living constantly in the spotlight. He also uses his status and power to help others which is an inspiration to all.
Always loved and admired Thorpey. Was interesting to read his perspective, but he was already preaching to the converted. Where it struck a chord, when it possibly won't with others, was his account of some of his personal issues. I breathed out. Every little bit helps. Thanks Ian.
Good sporting autobiography from an outstanding champion and with the extra twist of the comeback to the sport. Found it at times repeating itself on subject matter but a good read and highlighting the pressures, outside the pool, that he faced.
I loved the way this book progresses through the months leading up to the London Olympics but also through Ian's life before that. Ian has achieved magnificently in the pool & appears to be man of generous spirit. It is sad that despite (or because of) his achievements the press can't leave him alone. I commend Ian for his openness about his alcohol & depression & hope that the future brings him peace & happiness
This is a candid book by an outstanding young man who tells his story simply. Still searching for his place in the world, Ian Thorpe is complex and interesting. I'm so glad I read this.
I liked him before and after reading this - I still like him. It's a frank and honest account of his comeback that didn't happen. Or at least didn't happen when people wanted it to happen.
I enjoyed this book, it made me appreciate Ian so much more and made me realise how much he put up with during his prime years and beyond.
Hmm I was glad Ian wrote this book as it gave me insight into his life. It was brave of him to discuss his struggle with depression and the pressure of being in the public eye. However the book was quite long and I felt he kept repeating topics, especially the gay thing and the relentless media. I actually found the herald's article about him before the book came out more revealing and interesting than the actual book. Overall a worthwhile read though.
Not the best prose.. But if u get swimming & are a fan, its hard to put away.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
I love Ian Thorpe.
I love Ian Thorpe.
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