AOC Media Centre - Ian Thorpe

Young Thorpedo launchesIan Thorpe aged just 17 won Australia's first gold medal at Sydney 2000. Thorpe led from the start in the 400m freestyle and smashed his own world record in front of a booming home crowd. This set the stage for the men's 4x100m freestyle relay later in the night. Special thanks to ABC Radio Grandstand and Getty Images.

Thorpe reflects on Sydney GamesIan Thorpe has won five Olympic gold medals, the greatest total of any Australian. He won three of those gold along with two silver at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Thorpe looks back on life outside of the pool at the Games.

Smashing GuitarsSwim coach legend Laurie Lawrence recalls the monumental win of the men's 4x100m relay team at the Sydney Olympics, beating the Americans who had claimed they would "smash the Aussies like guitars".

4x Swimming Gold(Left to right) Michael Klim, Ian Thorpe and William Kirby of Australia celebrate gold in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay. Grant Hackett was the other team member (not pictured).

Golden Nugget: Thorpedo - Ian ThorpeAthens 2004: Swimming legend Australia's Ian Thorpe punches the air in celebration for his victory in the men's 200m freestyle final.