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Ian Thorpe Joins LawConnect for Sydney-Hobart Bid for Third Straight Line Honours

The five-time Olympic champion begins training for an offshore debut in pre-race events.

Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe leaves after attending a news conference in Mumbai, India, June 16, 2016. REUTERS/Shailesh Andrade/File Photo
Five-time Olympic swimming gold medallist Ian Thorpe will be a crew member in the gruelling Sydney-Hobart yacht race

Overview

  • Ian Thorpe has officially joined the supermaxi LawConnect and started on-water training with the crew.
  • Thorpe will take part in the Cabbage Tree Island Race and the Big Boat Challenge as preparation for his first Sydney-Hobart.
  • The 80th edition of the 628-nautical-mile race is set for December 26 with more than 130 yachts entered.
  • LawConnect faces renewed competition from returning powerhouses Palm Beach XI, formerly Wild Oats XI, and Comanche.
  • Reports differ on the number of 100-foot supermaxis contesting line honours, with AFP citing five and PerthNow reporting six.