The only way Ian Thorpe can overcome his disqualification from the 400m freestyle is if Craig Stevens voluntarily removes himself as a competitor – or ‘gets ill’.
So we have been told repeatedly by our media.
I feel for Ian Thorpe – I think the rule is a stupid one – and performance over a calendar year would be a better assessment rather than one race on one day.
But what kind of pressure must Craig Stevens be feeling?!
Swimming Australia must live with the consequences of their dumb rule – Craig Stevens is the rightful entrant in the event – if not the best!