Australia’s James Magnussen has put himself into hermitage in the leadup to the 2012 London Olympics, according to Australia’s the Daily Telegraph.
“No, this is definitely it – my very last photograph. From now until my race in London, I’ll sort of disappear a bit. Fly under the radar,” the 100 freestyle favorite told the Telegraph. “From now on, it’s best if I can keep the rest of the world guessing.”
He also reported that he is done racing between now and the Olympics, meaning that he will have four months (between March’s Trials and the end of July) without a formal race. That’s a bold strategy, especially for a sprinter where there’s such little chance in 47 seconds to make up for a mistake.
But bold is something that Magnussen has always been, and the Australian media has eaten it up. The media coverage down-under is 10-fold what it is in the United States, and therefore so is the pressure. This is the first time that he’s shyed away from that attention, but at this point, he’s done enough to establish himself that his results from Australian Trials should speak for themselves.
John
It is not that the Aussie Media hadn´t caught it.
Cielo didn´t give any response. He´s actually Now at Crystal Pallace training for Mare Nostrum.
Magnussen might’ve shut up, but that doesn’t mean everyone is done talking:
http://www.parana-online.com.br/editoria/esportes/news/614651/?noticia=CIELO+REBATE+EX+NADADOR+RUSSO+E+MIRA+OURO+NOS+100+M+LIVRE
__VERY___ interesting quotes from Alexander Popov regarding what he feels Cielo’s chances are at the 100free title, and Cielo’s response. I’m sure the Aussie media hasn’t caught on to it yet. Usually they find it and blow it up.
Clearly, there is more pressure on Magnussen to perform than any of their swimmers since Thorpe. But If I were to put money on it, it would be that he succeeds, simply based on the type of attitude he seems to exudes. I would put money on him taking at least one of the 2 from London: the WR, or Gold medal.
Given the media trouble that Monk and D’Arcy are finding themselves in over the gun shop photos, it’s probably not a bad idea on James’ part.
yep, Magnussen is smart and thinking long term, unlike the dum dums of D’arcy and Monk.
And it seems John26 made great analyses when saying that Magnussen poorly split the 47.10
in the same interview, Magnussen said that him and his coach definitely think the swim was one of the poorer races he’s done.
In his interview with Sydney Morning Herald, Magnussen said that the men 4×100 free will not only be USA vs. AUS, but France and Russia have equal chance.
I agree with him.
Magnussen actually swam a short course meet 2 weeks ago. 21.8 50 free and 1:45 200 free. Results can be found at nsw swimming homepage on the live results link on the right hand side. Actually in that meet hocking almost took down the aust record in the 200 back 2:01 low.
Good find – I was only looking through long course results. Thanks, will update.
I wonder when he’s planning on getting sick.
If Magnussen is illness-free all the way to 100 free final, you can be sure that the men 100 free WR is a goner.
Think this guy may have toooo much pressure heading into the games. Will be interesting to see how he handles the big stage when he is EXPECTED to be at the top.