Goodwill Games

02/12/2001

Ian Thorpe Announces Participation at 2001 Goodwill Games

Goodwill Games officials announced that three-time Olympic gold medalist Ian Thorpe will compete in the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane, Australia. Thorpe sealed his commitment to participate in the Goodwill Games during a press conference held at Sea World, Gold coast on Saturday, February 10.

Thorpe, a native of Sydney, Australia said he was looking forward to swimming in the Goodwill Games and tapping into the energy that a home country audience can create. 2001 is shaping up to be a big year for Thorpe, who will compete in both the World Championships in July, followed by the Goodwill Games from August 29 - September 9.
"The best swimmers in the world will be at the Goodwill Games in Brisbane, they will be just coming off of the World Championships, and they'll be out to prove their success is no fluke," said Thorpe.

2001 Goodwill Games will feature a unique team championship format. The format, which debuted at the 1998 Goodwill Games in New York, is the only one of its kind in major, international swimming competition today.

"The format for the swimming competition is unlike anything we've seen in Australia and the fact that the champions swim against the clock as well as against each other, doubles the level of excitement," said Thorpe. "It will be a tough meet, but a real treat for spectators. I love competing in front of a home crowd and can't wait to be a part of the 2001 Goodwill Games."

"Ian's participation heats up the swimming competition and the ongoing rivalry between the United States' and host country Australia's teams," said Michael Plant, president of Goodwill Games, Inc. "The swim match ups will pick up where the 2000 Sydney Olympics left off, providing spectators with the most exciting showdowns to hit the pool."

The 2001 Goodwill Games, will showcase the world's best athletes competing in 14 sports over 12 days. The Goodwill Games will be broadcast on Turner Network Television in the U.S., as well as in more than 100 countries around the world.

The 2001 Goodwill Games, scheduled for 12 days from August 29th-September 9th, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, will showcase the world's best athletes competing in 14 sports. The 14 sports are: athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, cycling (track), diving, figure skating, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, trampoline, triathlon, weightlifting and surf lifesaving. The competitors, including numerous Olympic, World and Goodwill Games champions, will be vying for millions in prize money and world record/performance incentives.

Contacts:
Jeff Pomeroy (Goodwill Games, Inc.) 404-827-4786
Janet England 2001 Goodwill Games Brisbane, Inc. 61-7-3233-2088

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