Aaron Peirsol has revealed he enjoys anonymity in the US outside of Olympic years believes the high profile nature of swimming in Australia contributed to the early retirement of Ian Thorpe and has revealed he enjoys anonymity in the US outside of Olympic years.
The triple Olympic gold medallist and world record holder is unbeaten over 200m backstroke in six years and has said he does not envy the fame Thorpe and Grant Hackett have achieved in their home country.
“I like the anonymity of my sport,” said the 23-year-old.
“I think that’s the big difference when you see someone like Ian or Grant. In many respects those guys have live different lives than we have.
“It’s bizarre to think that Ian is not much older than I am [and has retired], and nor is Grant. In Australia those guys - and swimmers in general - are carried differently.
“It’s a national pastime there … so that might be a big factor.
“Swimming is one of those sports where - if you stay around for a long time - physically and mentally that takes a toll on you.”
Australia head coach Alan Thompson admitted that public interest in Thorpe probably had hastened his retirement but was quick to point out that the 24-year-old was a unique case.
“I think it probably did have an effect on Ian’s career but he’s been treated differently to any other stars,” Thompson said.
“I think Ian’s fame transcended sport, he was in the spotlight for his business and fashion interests too.
“Ian was thrust into the limelight at 14 and was a bit of an enigma because of his youth, being the youngest world champion, the youngest in the team.
“There were a lot of firsts with Ian and Grant was in the shadow of Ian so he had a bit more time to sit back and he’s a little more laid-back because he hasn’t had to deal with it for his career.”
Eurosport - Pippa Davis