Ian Thorpe strikes gold twice in Japan

World and Olympic champion Ian Thorpe won gold in the 400 metres freestyle and 4x100 metres freestyle relay at the Pan Pacific…

World and Olympic champion Ian Thorpe won gold in the 400 metres freestyle and 4x100 metres freestyle relay at the Pan Pacific swimming championships in Japan today.

The 19-year-old, who is aiming to win six gold medals at the championships, pulled away from Australian team mate Grant Hackett over the second half of the 400 freestyle to win in three minutes, 45.28 seconds.

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.