Very well said, Ian Thorpe, you're a real swimmer and great person! Thank you so much for the contribution you made to the London Olympic 2012. You rescued BBC swimming commentary!
Ye Shiwen is the best swimmer in the world , what's wrong with that ? She got a great future , maybe in 3000 an Amercian will come out but for now shut up and watch this Chinese Girl
Some people just can't wrap their heads around the fact that a 16-year-old Chinese girl, Ye Shiwen, beat the almighty American Ryan Lochte in the last 50m freestyle leg in 400 meter IM. Here comes a little help. Although Lochte won the event in London, four swimmers in that final beat him in the last 50m: Yuya Horihata (27.87), Thomas Fraser-Holmes (28.35), Michael Phelps (28.44), Kosuke Hagino (28.52). Guess what, all four of them were faster than Shiwen, who finished with a 28.93 split.
Ive just got a new respect for Ian Thorpe. Not only was he a champion swimmer for Australia, but he is mature, respectful and wise. Very positive response from a very biased/subjective interviewer.
Yes, growth spurt is never a good reason, as it is nothing without training. However, the quick improvement in a short time accusation is not a strong reason for suspicion either, as there are quite a few other swimmers that have done the same eg. Rice, Thorpe, Ledecky, etc. Please note that Ye already did 4:33.79 when she was 14 in the 2010 Asian Games. My point is there is a 20 months time span over which she can improve herself through training, regardless when the growth spurt occurred.
Thanks! All the athletes commentators form BBC are showing much more professionalism, love to hear from them, live in events and after like Ian did as well!!! This is an event for the best athletes from all over the world, let them shine!!
Great Topedo, I salute your humanity, sportsmanship, chivalry, and compassion. You are a great Champion and a great human being. All China thank you for speaking up for our darling Ye Shiwen.
Well said lan! Respect! All the skeptics should really shout up and review yourself, especially the usa coach. What if Ye is not from China, but a American or British? Would you say the same? Come on China! Winning the games with NO Mercy!
Antonio Pettigrew ’08 - for doping in ’97-‘01) • 2 sprint coaches (Trevor Graham ’08, Remi Korchemny ’07) • 1 mid-distance runner (Regina Jacobs ’04, coach was Tom Craig) 6 FIELD (4 males, 2 females)
"At the 2012 Summer Olympics, in the third heat of the Women's 400m Individual Medley she swam 4:31.73, a personal best improvement of 2-seconds when compared to her 2010 Asian Games time (4:33.79) achieved when she was 14. In the final she won the gold medal and broke the world record with a time of 4:28.43." (from wiki) 5 seconds over 2 years is reasonable.
Ye Shiwen's 28.93 fell between the final 50m split in the world record of women's 200m freestyle (28.60, Federica Pellegrini) and 1500m freestyle (29.27, Kate Ziegler, a textile best, no less). It's definitely top notch for women, but not unheard-of. So yes, Lochte finished the last 50m freestyle behind Ye Shiwen. But congratulations to him for finishing 0.17 second ahead of Kate Ziegler, after she swam 1.45 kilometers. He should hold his head high.
Although Lochte won the event, his last split of 29.10 sec wasn't the best. 4 swimmers in that final beat him in the last 50m: Yuya Horihata (27.87), Thomas Fraser-Holmes (28.35), Michael Phelps (28.44), Kosuke Hagino (28.52). All four of them were faster than Shiwen. Shiwen's 28.93 fell between the last 50m split in the world record of women's 200m freestyle (28.60, Federica Pellegrini) and 1500m freestyle (29.27, Kate Ziegler). It's definitely top notch for women, but not unheard-of.
so by default we should scrutinize every Olympic champion who won gold, just because the country they are from have been found doping 25 fucking years ago??
Yeh he was in the studio like in this video or at the swimming arena everynight talking about the swimmers, the events, his predictions for who would win. It was an awesome week of swimming. Like there would be a race then after the race it would go to thorpe and 2 british presenters and he would talk etc.
I mean, if Lochte and Ye competed head to head in freestyle (50M or 100M), then Lochte would win WITHOUT a doubt. But when it comes to 400 IM, it largely depends on swimmers to decide where to preserve energy and where to extend themselves. Also, I believe Ye was the world champion of 200 IM in 2011, so it is not strange that she has been working on her 400 IM for this Olympics.
You need to look at the circumstances of the races being compared. Loche was already a couple of body lenghs in front of his nearest competitor in the last 50m of the 200m race, so I very much doubt Loche would have fully exerted himself in the last 50m considering he had many other events to compete in. Ye on the other hand was usually behind her competitors in the last 50m, so she had to really go for it. Hence it's very much possible for her to swim faster in the last segment.
I applaud your open-mindedness. However I would like to point out that Stephanie Rice, the former IM400 record holder, dropped her personal best by about 9s in slightly more than 1 yr's time, leading up to her world record race in the 2008 Olympics. And this happened when she was roughly between 19-20 yr old. So the reasons and timing of these rapid improvements are probably more varied and different for different individuals.
Did any one questioned when Phelps won 8 golds in a single Olympics? Or when Missy Franklin swam two outstanding races in 14 mins? The impossibles are happening people! Give the athletes and coaches some credits!
This controversy reminds me of Taylor Swift "bullied" by Kanye West incident at MTV awards. Note how most Americans rallied behind Swift and condemned West for "stealing her moment", even though West apologised several times? This almost destroyed West's career overnight. Ye Shi Wen is a young prodigious talent like Swift and both deserve their moment of glory, but Ye's moment was severely tainted by John Leonard's comments, and worse, caused many to doubt her talents. And no apology given.
She's not stupid. She knew her position as a media reporter. She is getting paid by making controversy headline news than showing her intelligence and reflecting the truth . She tried her best and did her job well. Ian just acted as what a normal human being should.
Rebecca Adlington had a last 50m split of 28.91s in her 800m race last year in the Shanghai World championship. (Lochte's split was 29.10s, Ye's 28.93s). No one questioned Rebecca!!!??? Ye's time is top notch for women, but it's possible & not unprecedented. Ye's last 50m split time was also beat by 4 other men their race too. It's not like she beat all men on the planets.
Very well said indeed! I am so glad he brought his own improvement when he was 15 into this. the sceptics will still say he is a man and she is a woman..but we cannot do anything to stop them from saying what they want to. Sad but true.
The American coach making such allegation was playing a mind-game. Ye won her 2 gold medals making the Americans jealous. Check the history of doping in the Olympics, guys. How many Americans had failed the drug tests all along?
Can somebody explain why swimmers peak so young? Loads of records seem to get set by teenagers or swimmers in their early 20s. It seems as soon as they reach 20, swimmers stop improving
check the women record of 50m. it is 23s. Yes, 400m is different of 50m, but at least it tells you that 28.98s for last leg is not that out of common sense.
Ye Shiwen didn't take off 1 second of the men's world record. She took it off the women's world record. Also, she took 1 second off a race that lasts over 4 minutes. 1 second over the period of 4 minutes isn't very much at all. Like you said, if she took 1 second off a race that lasted only 30 seconds, then that would be a very big deal, but on a 4 minute event? It's not that important.
Ye is not the only female swimmer that swim the last 50 meters faster than lochte in london, those people just deliberately focus on her. Besides. it's all because of different tactics and swim conditons. And, stefanie rice also improved her best record by 6 SECONDS in beijing when she won and broke the world record in 400 meter medley. Some people are either blind or they are using double standards.
Are you a swimmer? Have you ever done 400 or even 200 IM? Lochte's time was 4:05.18 Ye's time was 4:28.43 It clearly shows that the best male swimmer IS faster than the best female swimmer.
Phelps set a precedent of success, culminating for years, leading up to his WR victories. When any athlete arrives out of nowhere, breaking records, it is very questionable. No other person or team has motive to cheat other than those competing, so a subjection to scrutiny is quite fitting.
How was I being hypocritical? I told the other guy that arguing was getting him nowhere and he was wasting his time. That's all. Now can you tell me where you think i contradicted myself?
as a chinese, i am proud of our history, also concerned about what happened in China. just plz be objective and broadminded. try to understand others, don't just shut your eyes down. don't just believe what you heard.
Check the women's world record for 50m freestyle pls. It is 23.73s. Now look at this last leg for 28.93s, not that crazy right? If a world top ranked player saved her energy for the last leg, this result is possible. No one is more blind then the people close their eyes.
Weird, the media these days will do anything to get views... So annoyed. Good ole journalism out the door. Report what you see and don't give an opinion. Like some people have noted, clearly this reporter is trying to imply something. Thumbs up for Ian Thorpe for his thoughts and what others should think about.
Strip Ye Shiwen of her gold medal. I know, you know, we all know she doped to win it. It's ridiculous that she lowered her time by a FULL 7 seconds from a year ago! That's just too unbelievable. The IOC has to launch an investigation into the Chinese swimming team. Shiwen's last 50 is faster than Ryan's final 50?! Uhm, yeah, it's perfectly logical that a 16-year-old girl can beat a grown man's time.
Then again, China has had a huge haul of medals retracted over the last two decades due to doping. Even Ye's compatriot was banned a few months ago. Her final 50m, in besting Ryan Lochte's final 50m seems strange, if not sinister :S
Oh please! There are still four male players competing with RYAN LOCHTE faster than her in the final 50 metres! BTW, she was speeding up and Ryan was slowing down!
Very well said, Ian Thorpe, you're a real swimmer and great person! Thank you so much for the contribution you made to the London Olympic 2012. You rescued BBC swimming commentary!
Ye Shiwen is the best swimmer in the world , what's wrong with that ? She got a great future , maybe in 3000 an Amercian will come out but for now shut up and watch this Chinese Girl
The interviewer was stupid but Thorpe was positive, objective and to the point. 👍
Some people just can't wrap their heads around the fact that a 16-year-old Chinese girl, Ye Shiwen, beat the almighty American Ryan Lochte in the last 50m freestyle leg in 400 meter IM. Here comes a little help.
Although Lochte won the event in London, four swimmers in that final beat him in the last 50m: Yuya Horihata (27.87), Thomas Fraser-Holmes (28.35), Michael Phelps (28.44), Kosuke Hagino (28.52). Guess what, all four of them were faster than Shiwen, who finished with a 28.93 split.
Support YE Shiwen! Support Ian Thorpe!
really well said Ian, he knows exactly how hard a swimmer have gone through to reach that level...really well said Ian
Especially with... Doping! 😂
Ian raises a good point. He's a great athlete and a smart one, too!
Ian Thorpe is articulate and informed. He speaks objectively and from the perspective of a competitor. Great interview!
ian thorpe, one of the greatest olympian swimmers in the past couple of decades.
Ive just got a new respect for Ian Thorpe. Not only was he a champion swimmer for Australia, but he is mature, respectful and wise. Very positive response from a very biased/subjective interviewer.
Yes, growth spurt is never a good reason, as it is nothing without training.
However, the quick improvement in a short time accusation is not a strong reason for suspicion either, as there are quite a few other swimmers that have done the same eg. Rice, Thorpe, Ledecky, etc. Please note that Ye already did 4:33.79 when she was 14 in the 2010 Asian Games. My point is there is a 20 months time span over which she can improve herself through training, regardless when the growth spurt occurred.
Thanks! All the athletes commentators form BBC are showing much more professionalism, love to hear from them, live in events and after like Ian did as well!!! This is an event for the best athletes from all over the world, let them shine!!
Great Topedo, I salute your humanity, sportsmanship, chivalry, and compassion. You are a great Champion and a great human being. All China thank you for speaking up for our darling Ye Shiwen.
A voice of reason from Ian Thorpe. Well said!
Well said lan! Respect! All the skeptics should really shout up and review yourself, especially the usa coach. What if Ye is not from China, but a American or British? Would you say the same?
Come on China! Winning the games with NO Mercy!
Bravo Thorpe!!!! Thanks for speaking the truth!
Antonio Pettigrew ’08 - for doping in ’97-‘01)
• 2 sprint coaches (Trevor Graham ’08, Remi Korchemny ’07)
• 1 mid-distance runner (Regina Jacobs ’04, coach was Tom Craig)
6 FIELD (4 males, 2 females)
as an english guy who only just got into swimming a year ago, i have just realised why Ian is a legend in the pool and out of it
I love siam Thorpe he’s so cool and wise
"At the 2012 Summer Olympics, in the third heat of the Women's 400m Individual Medley she swam 4:31.73, a personal best improvement of 2-seconds when compared to her 2010 Asian Games time (4:33.79) achieved when she was 14. In the final she won the gold medal and broke the world record with a time of 4:28.43." (from wiki)
5 seconds over 2 years is reasonable.
Ye Shiwen's 28.93 fell between the final 50m split in the world record of women's 200m freestyle (28.60, Federica Pellegrini) and 1500m freestyle (29.27, Kate Ziegler, a textile best, no less). It's definitely top notch for women, but not unheard-of.
So yes, Lochte finished the last 50m freestyle behind Ye Shiwen. But congratulations to him for finishing 0.17 second ahead of Kate Ziegler, after she swam 1.45 kilometers. He should hold his head high.
Although Lochte won the event, his last split of 29.10 sec wasn't the best. 4 swimmers in that final beat him in the last 50m: Yuya Horihata (27.87), Thomas Fraser-Holmes (28.35), Michael Phelps (28.44), Kosuke Hagino (28.52). All four of them were faster than Shiwen.
Shiwen's 28.93 fell between the last 50m split in the world record of women's 200m freestyle (28.60, Federica Pellegrini) and 1500m freestyle (29.27, Kate Ziegler). It's definitely top notch for women, but not unheard-of.
You're absolutely correct - you can use it if you like.
My speakers and volume are on full blast....i cant hear anything.....and IM DYING to hear Ian Thorpe
I planned on responding to him but I was preoccupied with covering my eyes, having been blinded by your brilliance.
Ian Thorpe representing a truly Australian mindset. Good on him!
Female Chinese swimmers have a history of doping. That is why people are asking these questions. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doping_in_China
so by default we should scrutinize every Olympic champion who won gold, just because the country they are from have been found doping 25 fucking years ago??
Yeh he was in the studio like in this video or at the swimming arena everynight talking about the swimmers, the events, his predictions for who would win. It was an awesome week of swimming. Like there would be a race then after the race it would go to thorpe and 2 british presenters and he would talk etc.
she was the world champion last yr, the youngest. for those who occassionally watch swimming every four years in the olympic, yes, call it "nowhere".
very well said!
I am in love with the entire BBC commenting Team
Are you reciting Teochew poetry or lyrics from the Childrens Songs on your channel?
Because he won gold in the 400 IM which took place right before the women's 400 IM.
I mean, if Lochte and Ye competed head to head in freestyle (50M or 100M), then Lochte would win WITHOUT a doubt.
But when it comes to 400 IM, it largely depends on swimmers to decide where to preserve energy and where to extend themselves.
Also, I believe Ye was the world champion of 200 IM in 2011, so it is not strange that she has been working on her 400 IM for this Olympics.
You need to look at the circumstances of the races being compared. Loche was already a couple of body lenghs in front of his nearest competitor in the last 50m of the 200m race, so I very much doubt Loche would have fully exerted himself in the last 50m considering he had many other events to compete in. Ye on the other hand was usually behind her competitors in the last 50m, so she had to really go for it. Hence it's very much possible for her to swim faster in the last segment.
Wikipedia List of doping cases in sport.
United States - 119
China - 8
Hypocrites.
I applaud your open-mindedness.
However I would like to point out that Stephanie Rice, the former IM400 record holder, dropped her personal best by about 9s in slightly more than 1 yr's time, leading up to her world record race in the 2008 Olympics. And this happened when she was roughly between 19-20 yr old. So the reasons and timing of these rapid improvements are probably more varied and different for different individuals.
now i know the culture and value of BBC
Did any one questioned when Phelps won 8 golds in a single Olympics? Or when Missy Franklin swam two outstanding races in 14 mins? The impossibles are happening people! Give the athletes and coaches some credits!
Ian Thorpe, good job! Respect from Asian!
Thank you for finally writing your last comment to me.
This controversy reminds me of Taylor Swift "bullied" by Kanye West incident at MTV awards. Note how most Americans rallied behind Swift and condemned West for "stealing her moment", even though West apologised several times? This almost destroyed West's career overnight. Ye Shi Wen is a young prodigious talent like Swift and both deserve their moment of glory, but Ye's moment was severely tainted by John Leonard's comments, and worse, caused many to doubt her talents. And no apology given.
Ryan Lochte swims the 800m? I didn't think so. Your argument is not valid.
holy crap turn the volume up
It’s great that he pointed out so eloquently and in non confrontational way that they’re being racist
What does your race have to do with any of this?
/wiki/Category:Sportspeople_in_doping_cases_by_nationality , USA - 140, China - 11
He really has class
every athlete should deserve cheers first! not doubt! this is the basic respect!
Don't keep it bottled up inside. Tell us how you really feel.
congratulations on your previous correction
It's ok. Take a deep breath.
one of the best things about the Olympics is having Thorpe talk us through the swimming on BBC what a legend.
4 YEARS LATER:
400M - 17 SECONDS SLOWER (HEATS)
200M - 6 SECONDS SLOWER (LAST PLACE)
ZZZZZZZ
I'm impressed by your internet muscles.
I corrected myself previously, Australian olympic swimmers. Never been caught for doping.
do you mean to say you can? or that you can't? what is thy bidding my master...
they told her to chill..what are you expecting.
I buffered in the middle of that buffer to come back to more buffer -_-
She's not stupid. She knew her position as a media reporter. She is getting paid by making controversy headline news than showing her intelligence and reflecting the truth . She tried her best and did her job well. Ian just acted as what a normal human being should.
Not all the people from the West harbor an anti-China sentiment. Thank you, Thrope.
By the way, he looks even more handsome now
Oscar.
HARD WORK prevails!!! simple.
Rebecca Adlington had a last 50m split of 28.91s in her 800m race last year in the Shanghai World championship. (Lochte's split was 29.10s, Ye's 28.93s). No one questioned Rebecca!!!???
Ye's time is top notch for women, but it's possible & not unprecedented.
Ye's last 50m split time was also beat by 4 other men their race too. It's not like she beat all men on the planets.
Ye, don't call me Barry Bonds, Shiwen. Go Giants.
Very well said indeed! I am so glad he brought his own improvement when he was 15 into this. the sceptics will still say he is a man and she is a woman..but we cannot do anything to stop them from saying what they want to. Sad but true.
well-explained answers given by thorpe from a neutral standpoint.
The American coach making such allegation was playing a mind-game. Ye won her 2 gold medals making the Americans jealous. Check the history of doping in the Olympics, guys. How many Americans had failed the drug tests all along?
Shut up. There's always someone who will cry when times are seen to come down by a large amount. Don't let it bother you so much.
Can somebody explain why swimmers peak so young? Loads of records seem to get set by teenagers or swimmers in their early 20s. It seems as soon as they reach 20, swimmers stop improving
check the women record of 50m. it is 23s. Yes, 400m is different of 50m, but at least it tells you that 28.98s for last leg is not that out of common sense.
you can tell from the women's face, she wasn't getting the responses she was hoping for.
Ye Shiwen didn't take off 1 second of the men's world record. She took it off the women's world record. Also, she took 1 second off a race that lasts over 4 minutes. 1 second over the period of 4 minutes isn't very much at all. Like you said, if she took 1 second off a race that lasted only 30 seconds, then that would be a very big deal, but on a 4 minute event? It's not that important.
The audio on this is a bit.. quiet.
Interviewer tone deaf to every word spoken by Thorpe. Thorpe was classy throughout.
every medal winner is tested after their event as has always been the case, she was clean, case closed
If a female US swimmer had 50 meter time faster than a world record holding male swimmer than I'd wonder if she was using something.
IAN THORPE had spoken. I trust him. The rest of you who yak yak yak here better shut your trap and listen to the video and what he said. CASE CLOSED.
@mrnicekickz23 will be notified of the reply (and this reply) because of how it was formatted.
Where is she now? Look at Hosszu
how come the audio is so low?
People are tested for around 240 enhancers, there are around 10,000 that athletes are taking lol
BBC has become so biased these days!! well down Ian, i love u
So true, if she was uk, they'd be saying wow what an amazing result.
Ye is not the only female swimmer that swim the last 50 meters faster than lochte in london, those people just deliberately focus on her. Besides. it's all because of different tactics and swim conditons. And, stefanie rice also improved her best record by 6 SECONDS in beijing when she won and broke the world record in 400 meter medley. Some people are either blind or they are using double standards.
Are you a swimmer? Have you ever done 400 or even 200 IM?
Lochte's time was 4:05.18
Ye's time was 4:28.43
It clearly shows that the best male swimmer IS faster than the best female swimmer.
Phelps set a precedent of success, culminating for years, leading up to his WR victories. When any athlete arrives out of nowhere, breaking records, it is very questionable. No other person or team has motive to cheat other than those competing, so a subjection to scrutiny is quite fitting.
where is the sound??!!
you trying to say she is not stupid...BBC IS, right? well said!
How was I being hypocritical? I told the other guy that arguing was getting him nowhere and he was wasting his time. That's all. Now can you tell me where you think i contradicted myself?
as a chinese, i am proud of our history, also concerned about what happened in China. just plz be objective and broadminded. try to understand others, don't just shut your eyes down. don't just believe what you heard.
Stop obsessing over her nationality.
Ironically records indicate Aussies have most accusations & convictions for doping of anyone. Aussies knows about doping...lol
Check the women's world record for 50m freestyle pls. It is 23.73s. Now look at this last leg for 28.93s, not that crazy right? If a world top ranked player saved her energy for the last leg, this result is possible. No one is more blind then the people close their eyes.
Thrope, I love you.
Weird, the media these days will do anything to get views... So annoyed. Good ole journalism out the door. Report what you see and don't give an opinion. Like some people have noted, clearly this reporter is trying to imply something. Thumbs up for Ian Thorpe for his thoughts and what others should think about.
why is the audio so low
Strip Ye Shiwen of her gold medal. I know, you know, we all know she doped to win it. It's ridiculous that she lowered her time by a FULL 7 seconds from a year ago! That's just too unbelievable. The IOC has to launch an investigation into the Chinese swimming team. Shiwen's last 50 is faster than Ryan's final 50?! Uhm, yeah, it's perfectly logical that a 16-year-old girl can beat a grown man's time.
Then again, China has had a huge haul of medals retracted over the last two decades due to doping. Even Ye's compatriot was banned a few months ago. Her final 50m, in besting Ryan Lochte's final 50m seems strange, if not sinister :S
You got that from just watching Lui Marco?
Oh please! There are still four male players competing with RYAN LOCHTE faster than her in the final 50 metres! BTW, she was speeding up and Ryan was slowing down!