Title: This Is Me
Author: Ian Thorpe
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Biographies, Sport
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Ian Thorpe was a massive figure of my early years and I remember all of the media attention that surrounded him. However, I was quite young, and although I remember that he retired because of the media. And that Thorpe was a phenomenal swimmer, I didn’t really know much more about his journey to being an elite athlete. As someone who is obsessed with her own sport, not only did I love the recognisable moments of his journey, but I also seriously enjoyed how his dedication showed in the pool. It was intriguing to read about an athlete at the top of his game, and the fine line between health and sickness that he walks whilst doing it.

As much as I loved this biography, one thing that really stuck out to me was how frequently Thorpe denied his sexuality. This book was published a few years before he officially came out. And of all the things he discussed, he denied his sexuality at least three times. Having been pressured and discussed from such a young age in the media, you can see how this had such a big impact on him and his understanding of himself. I can completely understand just why he would have this approach, and it made me all that much frustrated with the pressures that media can put on people just for a “good story”.

Even though I remember a lot of Thorpe’s accomplishments, I didn’t really register that he tried to go to the London Olympics. It was great that he wrote this in a diary format, focusing on the lead up to these Olympics, and the gruelling training regime he followed. It made for an interesting format – each chapter was a dated diary entry in the lead up to, and then the aftermath of his trials for the London Olympics. But then, the second half was a flashback to another moment within his life. Although not in chronological order, I loved going on these side journeys, to moments that I recognised. Plus, he effortlessly puts forth his charity and the many different ways that he is constantly improving the lives of others.

Everything about this biography was fascinating. I loved the insight into a really prominent figure in my childhood. But, it was also incredibly fun to get some realistic insights into how an elite athlete trains. The dedication and passion that is going to drive that kind of commitment is something I can never truly understand. But it made for a great insight into someone else’s life and a completely different way of living.

<- Will

The Mapmaker’s Wife ->

Image source: Booktopia