World and Olympic champion Ian Thorpe began his latest medal quest by winning gold in the 400 metres freestyle and 4x100 metres freestyle relay at the Pan Pacific swimming championships on Saturday. The 19-year-old, who is aiming to win six gold medals here, pulled away from Australian team mate Grant Hackett over the second half of the 400 freestyle to win in three minutes, 45.28 seconds, well outside his own world record time of 3:40.08.
Thorpe then produced an incredible finish to anchor Australia to victory in the 4x100 metres freestyle in 3:15.15 after an epic struggle with American Jason Lezak.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
