Ian Thorpe, the renowned Australian swimmer, is being eyed as a potential mentor for the national swim team, alongside fellow swimming legend Grant Hackett.
What's the plan?
Swimming Australia's high performance director, Michael Scott, expressed interest in having Thorpe and Hackett join the team's mentorship program.
The program aims to rebuild morale after a disappointing 2012 London Olympic Games campaign.
Why it matters for Ian Thorpe
Thorpe, who has been battling depression, could bring valuable insights to the team, sharing his experiences and lessons learned throughout his career.
As a five-time Olympic gold medallist, Thorpe's expertise would be invaluable to the team.
What comes next?
Michael Klim, one of the newly appointed mentors, has already reached out to Thorpe and received an encouraging response.
Klim, along with Susie O'Neill, will work with the team's leadership group to build leaders in and out of the pool.
Thorpe's personal struggles, including a highly publicized incident in February where he was found disoriented on a Sydney street, have highlighted the pressures facing elite athletes after retirement.
Hackett, who is undergoing treatment for addiction to prescription drugs, is also being considered for the mentorship program.
The team's focus on building leaders and promoting life balance is crucial, especially given the challenges faced by Thorpe and Hackett.
As of February, Hackett was pictured half-naked in a Melbourne hotel lobby, searching for his young son, sparking concerns about his well-being.
Swimming Australia is keen to support Thorpe and Hackett in their personal struggles while also leveraging their expertise to benefit the national team.
The mentorship program is part of a broader effort to rebuild the team's morale and performance.
With Thorpe and Hackett on board, the team hopes to learn from their experiences and gain a fresh perspective on the sport.