BBC SPORT | COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2002 | Thorpe targets record haul

Australian swimming ace Ian Thorpe is considering taking up a new stroke in an attempt to win a record seven gold medals at this year's Commonwealth Games.

The 19-year-old won three freestyle gold medals at the 2000 Olympics and six golds at last year's world championships in Japan but now wants to try his hand at backstroke.

He entered the 100m backstroke at the Australian championships in Brisbane and is currently deciding whether to compete in the event in Manchester.

Australia's Susan O'Neill
O'Neill won six golds in 1998
"Ian has officially entered the 100m backstroke and the indication from his coach is that, depending on how he goes, he might well pursue it at the Commonwealth Games," said a spokesman for Swimming Australia.

Compatriot Susan O'Neill won a record six gold medals at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Thorpe, who won four gold medals in Malaysia as a 15-year-old, will start as a strong favourite in the 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle individual events.

He will also swim the three relays, in which Australia are strong favourites.

Thorpe set a world record to win the 800m at the world championships but because that event is not on the Commonwealth Games programme, he is looking for another race to fill the void.

The Sydney teenager was an outstanding backstroker as a junior but gave it up to focus his energies on freestyle.


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