Breaking A World Record

BREAKING A WORLD RECORD is cause for celebration. But after Ian Thorpe set a new mark in the 800-meter freestyle on March 27, 2001, he didn’t party at all. Instead the Australian swimmer went to bed early, because another race awaited him.

Swimming the event competitively for the first time at the Australian national championship, the 18-year-old Sydney native broke the 800-meter mark held by fellow countryman Kieren Perkins. The triple Olympic gold-medal winner shaved more than four seconds off the record while marking a 7::4159.

By getting to bed early, Thorpe wisely saved his strength for the 200 meters, a long sprint swim requiring both speed and stamina. To prepare, Thorpe followed his usual training routine, watched a bit of television, and fell asleep.

The strict regime paid off the next day. Thorpe bolted to an early lead and finished three body lengths ahead of his nearest competitor to shatter the world record with a time of 1::4469. The clocking knocked .65 seconds off the old mark held by Pieter van den Hoogenband of the Netherlands.

The 200-meter victory also provided Thorpe with a small measure of redemption. At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, van den Hoogenband set the world record while Thorpe claimed the silver.

EXTRA < < < < < < < < < < < < < <

POINT Ian Thorpe might have been tempted to go out with his friends to celebrate such an incredible victory after the 800 freestyle. He deserved to enjoy himself. But the athlete proved smarter than that. He knew the importance of sleep. Thorpe realized that his body, even though young and in great condition, could compete best when rested.

God created sleep to sustain our body and energize our mind. Sometimes we’re tempted to sleep too little. The general rule is one hour of sleep for every two hours awake. Sleeping less than six hours a night can seriously impair your judgment and performance.

GOAL! For a week, keep track of how many hours you sleep. If it’s not enough, find a way to sleep more. Thank God for renewing your body and mind through sleep and rest.