could anybody tell me some recent news (later than april first) on the
chance that ian thorpe will start on the 800 meters.
what do lawyers say?
is ian still willing to start on this distance?

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Clarification of Question by jsteinsb-ga on 06 Apr 2004 07:05 PDT

I'm sorry, verry sorry. I mean the 400m
i heard about a laywer stating that there was no such thing as a race
as the swimeers had not officially begun the race yet.
any information?

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Request for Question Clarification by librariankt-ga on 06 Apr 2004 09:36 PDT

Hi Jsteinsb,
The only article I could find is from March 31st, so I'm not posting
it as an answer:
Thorpe Has Grounds for Appeal, Legal Expert Says
http://www.swiminfo.com/lane9/news/7095.asp

The thing is, international rules disqualify swimmers after only one
false start (defined as entering the water before the start of the
race), so the lawyer is arguing that Thorpe fell - didn't "start" -
into the water.  But the lawyer (according to this article) also
doubts Thorpe will appeal, since appeals are costly and emotionally
painful.

Sorry to not have found anything more recent than that - it looks like
this part of the controversy may have died down (though we'll just
have to see!).  Again, I'm not posting this as an answer since it's
older than what you wanted, but if you'll accept it let me know.

- Librariankt

Hi Jsteinsb -

Okay, I think I finally have an answer for you!  According to this
article (from the 4th), yet another lawyer is arguing that Thorpe
didn't "start" because he fell rather than dove into the water, and
thus shouldn't have been disqualified: Lawyer in to bat for Thorpedo
(http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/04/03/1080941729100.html). 
However, note that the article states "But when [Thorpe's manager was]
asked whether Thorpe would pursue legal action, he said such action
had never been contemplated or discussed."  Apparently a bunch of
lawyers have approached Thorpe offering assistance.

And, given the TV interview I referenced before
(http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/04/05/1081017106907.html), where
Thorpe said he wouldn't take Craig Stevens' spot if Stevens gave it
up, it looks like the end of the race has come for the Thorpedo.

I found this article using the following search in Google: "ian thorpe
lawyer 400".  Hope it helps!  Please let me know if I can be of
further assistance.

- Librariankt

the answer was good, but too late for my article.
so thanks, it was good to know

Jsteinsb -
I didn't hear about the 800m, but did just hear on the BBC sports news
that the guy who won the 400m freestyle qualifying race (Craig
Stevens) may abdicate his spot to Thorpe so he (Thorpe) can swim it in
the Olympics.  Also, Thorpe is apparently petitioning the IOC to
change the qualifying rules to allow the current Olympic champion to
have a guaranteed spot in whatever race/competition in order to allow
the champ to defend the title... Thorpe has qualified in the 100, 200,
and "some relays" according to the BBC:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/3602917.stm

However, Thorpe said on Australian TV that he wouldn't take the 400m
spot if Stevens gave it up:
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/04/05/1081017106907.html

Thorpe does swim the 800m, but I haven't found info on whether he'll
be doing that at the 2004 Olympics.

- Librariankt

Jsteinsb,
You may be interested to know that Craig Stevens has signed an
exclusive agreement with an Australian TV program scheduled to air in
about 7 hours from this posting (at 6:30pm AEST on 26/04). He is
supposedly going to confirm one way or the other whether he will take
up his spot for the 400m - obviously this will have an impact on what
Thorpe may or may not do.

I'm sure the decision will be covered as a breaking news story at: 

   http://www.theage.com.au/ or
http://www.f2.com.au/

Hi Jsteinsb,

I realize you've done your article, but just wanted to comment that I
heard this morning on the BBC news that Stevens did abdicate his spot
in the 400m and Thorpe did accept it:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/3627903.stm

- Librariankt