Phelps vs Thorpe vs van den Hoogenband - Men's Freestyle 200m at Athens 2004 | Throwback Thursday

Enjoy this look back at the Men's 200m Freestyle final the Summer Olympic Games in Athens 2004, also known as "the Race of the Century" in Olympic swimming or "the greatest swimming race of all time". Featuring some of the most iconic Olympic swimmers of all time, Ian Thorpe, Pieter van den Hoogenband, and Michael Phelps!

What is your favorite Olympic moment of all time? Let us know in the comments below and it might be featured in the next #ThrowbackThursday!


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[Olympics]

What is your favorite Olympic moment of all time? Let us know in the comments below and it might be featured in the next #ThrowbackThursday!

[JC-tbcz]

Three legends of world swim in a race. This was really the race of the century

[bellabana]

Ian Thorpe’s swimming style is one of the best I’ve ever seen, so smooth and natural, he literally glides through the water!

[intldawn]

Thorpedo did it all on that last turn. He was making up ground by the 150 mark but that final turn was absolutely fantastic and he went like a slingshot into the lead. Brilliant.

[bryankho]

Ian Thorpe always looks so effortless but goes so fast! Saves the legs for the final lap.

Also great sportsmanship from Pieter.

[BM-wfuf]

Ian Thorpe was something else. The way he could glide effortlessly through the water. He reminds me of Roger Federer, just effortless movement.

[SomeWorthlessKid]

A legend past his prime
A legend in his prime
A legend in the making
All in one race
Nice

[maculka]

Still remember watching this live on tv when i was a kid. The most legendary race.

[JonYen]

How legendary is this race, especially since it happened in Athens, Greece. The birth place of the olympics.

[tb]

Sometimes the athlete’s congratulating each other seems cringe and fake, but you can tell vdh is genuine and humble. Champion.

[justgoto]

I’ve never seen such perfect form in my life than Ian Thropes freestyle!

[tombalando]

Ian Thorpe is my all time favorite! His 4 world records in 4 consecutive days in amazing!

[thecondemned]

I fell in love with swimming after watching Thorpe in Sydney Olympics.Phelps may be the greatest ever but Thorpedo is the legend you would love to see.

[carolyna]

Ian Thorpe is universally admired here in Australia. He is what a true champion is...supremely talented, hard working, a nice person, gracious and humble.

[toivonencresto]

5:55 the scream of History that becomes Legend. Ian Thorpe the Master, Ian Thorpe the King. We’ll never see such a PERFECT stroke again.

[Romans-]

What a gracious loser Pieter VDH was. Still smiling after losing his 200m crown. Respect.

[peace]

Brembilla, Hackett, Phelps, Hoogenband, Thorpe... superstar race!

[toivonencresto]

Always a pleasure returning and watching THE race again. Ian Thorpe Greatest stroke of all time, he did in swimming what Federer, Jordan, and Senna did in their sport, reaching effectiveness with stylistic perfection of the gesture.

[stevejohnson]

What a field..Thorpie, Van Hoogenband, Phelps, Hackett, Keller. Amazing race. Thank you for posting.

[rophiny]

That embrace by Peter at the end was beautiful!