|Thorpedo's tips for the top|
|Around the Academy:
Australian swimming hero Ian Thorpe gives the Academy his secrets behind his success.
Typical race day
It generally consists of two races - the heat in the morning and the final in the evening.
For the heats, the best form of preparation is relaxation.
I usually wake up quite early and have my breakfast. I'll then head off to the pool and start warming up.
I've got a set warm-up procedure, making sure I warm up every muscle for the race.
I always do the same warm-up for every competition and I think I always will because I know it works.
As my heat gets closer I try to start focusing. It's crucial you have a good heat.
This will ensure I'm in the final, keep me confident and guarantee that I get a good lane in the race that matters.
Rest and mental preparation
Between the heats and the final I go back to my hotel and have lunch and a rest for a couple of hours.
There's no point staying around the pool as it can be quite distracting.
Whatever I do will not use up too much mental or physical energy.
Despite qualifying for the final, I try and stay as neutral as I can with my emotions.
If I stay neutral it means I don't go through highs and lows in the competition.
If you have to compete day after day, week after week you don't want to get too emotional or you may lose control.
I like to stay very controlled.