
About this episode
Brett speaks with swimming prodigy, Ian Thorpe!
What makes a champion?
What is it like being a World Champion at 15 years old?
The level of expectation and pressure leading into the Sydney Olympics. Breaking his ankle 12 months out.
Being accused of doping by Germany's Head Coach and then destroying the 200 Free World Record by over a second. This took place at the FINA World Cup Berlin stop in 2000.
Losing the 200 Free to Pieter van den Hoogenband in Sydney.
The theory behind Doug Frost's training program. "Flog the athlete."
3000 for time. 30:46 or 30:16? Followed by 30x100's heart rate set.
"I owned being World Champion."
The full length, custom black suit made out of lycra.
Adidas.
Ripping multiple suits right before the 4x100 Free Relay. Klim breaking the World Record on the lead off. Catching Gary Hall Jr.
Having international pop-star status. Specifically in Japan. Turning down a record deal.
Craig Stevens giving up his 400 Free spot in Athens "because of what it does for the team."
The Swimming Race of the Century: Michael Phelps vs. Pieter van den Hoogenband, vs. Ian Thorpe
No privacy in training. Making the decision to retire.
Wishing Michael Phelps Was A Little Bit Older
Everyone is swimming the 200 Free wrong.
Connect: Find | Brett Hawke
On Instagram @hawkebr
On Twitter @insidewithbh
On Facebook @insidewithbh
Find | Ian Thorpe
On Instagram: @Ian.Thorpe
On Twitter: @IanThorpe
Subscribe & Listen:
Apple Podcasts
Google
Spotify
YouTube
Special Thanks:
Swimnerd Pace Clocks
Fitter & Faster Swim Camps
Get every episode summarized
Each time Inside with Brett Hawke publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Inside with Brett Hawke

Night Swim Full Episode : July 26, 2026
Inside with Brett Hawke

Quantum Leaps in Swimming: Remembering Hall of Fame Coach Don Swartz
Inside with Brett Hawke

#420 Andrii Govorov on Enhanced Games, Olympic TUE's, & the Future of Sport
Inside with Brett Hawke

Sprinters Rule the World: 50's of Stroke Added to LA 2028 Olympic Games
Inside with Brett Hawke