The Epic Men's 4x100m Freestyle Swimming Race - Sydney 2000 Replays | Throwback Thursday

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This week's Throwback Thursday video features the first triumph after 36 years of the Australian Swimming team in the men's 4×100 metre freestyle relay in front of their home crowd at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney (AUS). Leading by 0.15 seconds at the final relay exchange, Ian Thorpe was passed by U.S. swimmer Gary Hall, Jr. at the 350 metres mark, but eventually recovered and touched the wall first with an anchor of 48.30 to deliver the Aussie foursome of Michael Klim (48.18), Chris Fydler (48.48), and Ashley Callus (48.74) a gold-medal time in 3:13.67 - Enjoy watching!
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!

[@tomepsilon]

Olympic: 59mins ago Me: Hmmm...

[@strike1977]

could you please upload the Sydney 2000 Women’s Water Polo Final, Australia Vs USA!

[@billybob6604]

400 free relay beijing

[@amymifsud7864]

Olympic I’m glad you’re bringing back moments from these games because I just love Sydney 2000 so much I wanna Marry it

[@richmondmillier]

This.

[@ryannicholls3372]

Thorpes swim is still one of the most impressive swims of his career. The fact that he was up against a 100m specialist and he specialised in distance, combined with the fact he had already raced the 400 that day combined with the fact he was only 17 years old makes this almost beyond belief. Sure it’s not the fastest swim of all time. But he was just so calculated, he kept his stroke length and kick through the entire 100m and didn’t panic once. He let the American pull out in front and tire himself out and just backed himself in on the home straight. Amazing.

[@anesdj4282]

To me he is the best in history, he swims the 100, 200, 400, 800 at a competition level it’s just insane to think about it

[@Baskerville22]

I've had several arguments with guys who are adamant that Thorpe started the last leg BEHIND Gary Hall. In truth, Thorpe was given a handy lead by the 3rd leg, but Hall had headed Thorpe by the 50m turn. Klim set a 100m freestyle World Record in the 1st leg. He also held, briefly, the World 100m butterfly record.

[@burnedell]

@@Baskerville22 everyone except for klim trailed at some point and won their parts of the race. Each of them did an amazing job

[@AlonsoRules]

What about Klim breaking the World Record in the opening leg. That record had stood for 6 years.

[@Baskerville22]

@@burnedell Klim, Fydler & Callus each gave the next Aussie relay 'leg' a head-start. That is, Australia led at the end of each of the 4 x 100m 'legs'

[@Chrissmills]

This was my favorite Olympic moment ever. I remember watching it live and the adrenaline watching Ian Thorpe close in over the last 20m was insane

[@kaylenepetersen758]

Mine too! Epic race. C'mon Aussie C'mon!!! 😁

[@katietaylor3722]

My favourite too. There won't be that palpable excitement for a long time. Four fabulous swimmers who did us all proud.

[@aoxueli5524]

Yeah, definitely insane. He's just one of the extraordinary!

[@stucumins8511]

This really was special. Perfect first 100 from Michael Klim, wonderful 2nd 50 by Ian Thorpe, and very strong performances by Fydler and Callus in between. Great to see Brazil on the dais too. Good to see this again, 20 years later.

[@marcospeedo5412]

I was a qualified beach and pool lifeguard at the time of this competition, Gary Hall Jr and Popov were their last Olympic race, Thorpe was the next generation top swimmer the first time in Olympic, the excitement from this video is still here. I am a habitual swimmer, to keep fit and relax, for decades, my freestyle was excelled and learnt from an old video tape by Popov, showing the slow motion of underwater arm stroke which he specially swims slow arm stroke! I spent almost half year day-by-day to get the momentum, finally I get success. It helps me a lot since then. Thank you Popov! Gary Hall Jr! Thorpe! All my swimming friends, in Hong Kong, have not forgotten all your glorious greatness.

[@1995CL]

As a Dutchman, I shouted at the early hour, my neighbors almost awake when Australia beat that arrogant and self-righteous America! It remains fantastic! Thanks for this upload!

[@ImMattFromAus]

And we thank you for it! All my respect for the brilliant Peter van den Hoogenband!

[@1995CL]

@@ImMattFromAus 👍🙂

[@faithfirstfitness]

Thanks and Shout out to you! Unlike you my friend, America 🇺🇸 wasn't quite so humble 🙄 so honestly I woulda be happy for anyone to have smashed them... so glad on this occasion it was us!! ...Best they keep their guitars 🎸

[@deliquescencemusic]

We do what we can to please ;)

[@DCdc-rn8sz]

hey bro,, USA had the last laugh...over all in the 2000 Olympic swimming....USA got 14 golds to Australia 5...Enough of your arrogant comment..US is still the best...the US took the defeat in the free relays in class not with arrogance....

[@trevcole-v1e]

Thorpie giving the Olympic gold medallist for the distance a star, & running him down to win, is my all-time favorite sporting moment. 👍👍👍🌞

[@ShengYu1995]

Alot of people talk about Ian Thorpe's last lap. Yes, hes not a 100m specialist, but he was staked with the lead and lost it and took it back. The real impressive part was the first Aussie Michael Klim who swam a world record at the time of 48.14 in the first leg that made the difference. Side note, this WR of 48.14 lasted only 3 days as it was broken in the semifinals of the 100m freestyle by a swimmer known as The Flying Dutchman who swam 47.84

[@annab8189]

This is by far the greatest race I’ve ever seen. Your side note is irrelevant to this event.

[@sarkaprokopova7726]

I'd say the French team comeback in the relay at 2012 London Olympics was brilliant too... What a comeback by the great Yannick! Pity he retired just after it at only 24.

[@SilentHotdog28]

@@annab8189 No it's not. Record was gained in this race, then mentioned when it was broken, how is that irrelevant?

[@FawadBilgrami]

It still feels like yesterday. What a win that was!!! C’mon Aussie C’mon!!

[@eesabkhan]

what makes this race more special is the fact that america has never been beaten in this competetion before this.

[@RodicaC-bu6xf]

And said they'll crash the Aussie team like guitars 😂

[@faithfirstfitness]

@@RodicaC-bu6xfthey’re they were just 😐

[@planetx1595]

​@@RodicaC-bu6xfsmash*

[@nardiamcphee5239]

Thank you soo much i remember this night fondly watching it live on tv cheering when the Aussies won one of the best moments for Aussie swimming

[@LM085]

I come back to watch this and it still gives me chills. What an amazing race between Australia and the U.S. the smashing guitars comment by that American swimmer made this win even more deserving. Proud Aussie here 🇦🇺

[@davidnicholson6680]

Maybe read what Hall Jr. actually said (or rather wrote in an article) before commenting like this.

[@lilutsivert5946]

That was a clutch win at the end but GOOOOO AUSSIES GOOOO THORPEDO

[@garyh6131]

I remember watching this moment as a kid and the absolute joy I felt when the impossible was achieved. Well done!

[@w.bernardes3066]

Orgulho de ser Brasileiro!!!!

[@shawnyoung8752]

With the Thorepdo it is no shame to lose. USA And Australia have always been the best swimming countries. I dont think americans get upset when any Aussie athlete wins.

[@jpdprophotography6693]

There was a bit of carry on regarding Titmus but other than that it's a healthy rivalry.

[@Ney_Duarte]

Bronze para o Brasil 🏅💛💚

[@Bianca-ey5wv]

Is there any way to get a hold of the American commentary for this event????

[@mrtoiava2561]

🤣

[@adriandodson2314]

Yes please lol

[@Bianca-ey5wv]

@@adriandodson2314 i really want to hear it!!

[@pauljohnbandiola81]

Hahaha, me too I want that American commentary so I can all laugh for a day or two. But thats just me.

[@ariankonci5727]

A very superb performance by Australian team and especially the magic style swimming by the great Ian Thorpe! I couldn’t believe that how is possible he leaves so early the race?? He could easily win many more gold medals, such a pity for his decision!!

[@ace206]

Thanks for this, this is amazing. Omg we're all getting older, time don't stop

[@wesley100palmeirenseprimei6]

Brasil 💚💛

[@JasperTheFish494]

“Do the air guitar!”

[@mssuziquzi]

This has got to be up there with my all time favorite Olympic moments

[@Anonymouse-nn9td]

For all those who want to skip the first few parts, the race starts at 3:48

[@burnedell]

I just can’t believe they won each leg of the race. Besides Klim, everyone of them trailed at some point. Fantastic watch

[@joshrees1985]

One of my friend Ian Thorpe’s best swimming races

[@suwarosetimsorn6550]

I.have.been.waiting​ for this.race for.20 years​ since.2000. Remembering.the.last.minute of.ian thorpe​ and​ ending with​ victory.​ The​ day.i fell in​ love.with.this.guy.​ IAN.THORPEDO.THORPE

[@deanponton93]

Even the Italians are cheering ❤❤❤❤

[@NotMyRealName1]

I’ll never forget suddenly seeing Thorpe go fully to his legs 😮 like an outboard motor

[@ozeiasfeitosa7371]

Edvaldo Valerio great, this is Brazil...

[@roxy5588]

This was phenomenal! Go Team Australia. Can you upload Kieran Perkins winning the 1500m freestyle in Barcelona.

[@adriang6259]

Ya reckon Klimmy was pumped? Love that reaction. And amazed that Thorpey looks to be cruising in third gear but is flying.

[@tin-n-tan]

Smashed them like guitars.

[@thiagosandes7988]

"Chegou a hora dessa gente bronzeada mostrar seu valor".

[@theblacklistbr6781]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷Braziilll

[@MoMo-uc8ep]

20​th​ anniversary​ today​

[@cz8849]

coming for Ian Thorpe

[@syc9675]

Iconic moment in Australian sport

[@frankzuatangello]

Epica carrera , memorable lo de Thorpe 👏🏽

[@kakashizaua6356]

Gary Hall Jr. shows the speed of two times 50m Olympic Champion, but Thorpe give an answer that its 100x4m race

[@katietaylor3722]

One of the most amazing, exciting, nerve wracking swims I've ever seen. I remember leaping off the lounge at the end & screaming! My poor cat bolted.

[@thiagorochayt]

While everyone was watching the epic fight between Ian Thorpe and Gary Hall, Edivaldo "Bala" had an excellent performance for Brazil to win the bronze medal.

[@hewittclassics7337]

Thorpedo 🇦🇺🤠

[@RodicaC-bu6xf]

It's 2024, but I still remember the excitement of that day. Later, we all found out that Ian Thorpe couldn't get into his suit, and that's why he was late. He had to put on the wet one from the earlier race that day. The American team promised to smash the Aussie guys like guitars 😂 It was insane at the moment! ❤

[@antoniodavirbrito]

Be olympic champion in home soil have a different happiness

[@soprano862]

Wow the Americans looked salty, Brazil was brilliant! The joy their team displayed was so amazing! Go the Aussies!!!!

[@tonysinisterra1448]

20 Años. Lo ve love

[@waveybwoy4531]

Greatest swimming of all times

[@Ggekko2010]

Greatest swim race ever

[@michxshao]

This is my all time favourite. Still having goose bumps watching the last few seconds

[@lusiwong9029]

Who ❤ Aussie?

[@noellewest4347]

As a US citizen who lived in Sydney during those games, I have to say that it was oddly satisfying watching the Americans get their asses handed to them by the Australian team. I would have been happy to see Germany win too, but Australia really was the best. They dominated.

[@garros]

This was one of the best. I was a young guy working in the SOCOG call centre in my first real job and it was such a wonderful games. Love this moment, and so many others. :)

[@votran4330]

blue race prince ian thorpe

[@ThomasWilliams89]

that first Aussie to go was a machine.

[@DukeGibo]

why are all the Olympic videos unavailable?

[@cristinelouzeiro3212]

O Torpedo na água

[@TheDangerbreed]

best relay race in history

[@francisnguyen6349]

Let's go, Team Australia! 🇦🇺

[@mummytut8255]

They are lucky Thorpey went last ❤ This race is forever my favourite one !! See Thorpey dig in that last 50m was world class !!! ❤

[@armvieri99]

One is the most epics indeed

[@annprema382]

great Oz moment !

[@stevej5074]

Nice Video. Keep it going ⚡️

[@superjavierlogan7884]

Final Results 🥇🇦🇺 🥈🇺🇸 🥉🇧🇷

[@trevorwaninara7570]

Cathy Freeman running at Sydney 2000 Olympics.

[@jj-if6it]

It looks like Ian has an engine behind him! Just look at the power and produced by his legs, and the water that's churned up

[@GajoRomario]

Amazing

[@Fordtrain]

7:39 is that John Williamson aka Hey True Blue?

[@NickSamon]

Not only that. You can also hear "Lay Down Your Guns" by Jimmy Barnes!

[@suekennedy1595]

Even John Howard looks like he had a great time.

[@brunocesar8203]

Thorpes tem movimentos suaves e precisos com Roger Federer!!!!

[@RandallRedman-sq2hk]

Kiwi's we will see you in a couple of weeks in Paris.

[@klementopolnik4948]

I am young but i can see that those were simple times

[@brenoalmeida137]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@serenityflies1462]

I thought the Americans were very gracious in defeat....

[@kellielewis4490]

Team effort ❤️🇭🇲🇭🇲🇭🇲🇭🇲👍👍👍👍

[@Obeesepandah]

Look at thorpes kick in the last 50m compared to the guy next to him using mostly arms

[@frankmercury2833]

Hugeeeee difference

[@kraikk]

Any idea what Anthony Ervin was doing at 3:32?

[@PaNdeM0niuM]

Thorpe was a torpedo in the last 50metres!

[@nardiamcphee5239]

23:40 another great dawn fraiser

[@mattmagnay]

08:05 Laurie Lawrence ''Kids alive do the five'' haha

[@DoggieStyle-xo6vb]

So proud of you boys!!!!! Go the Aussies

[@LeoCloud619]

where is the channel 7 commentary?

[@SamuelLiu01]

I miss Popov.

[@jj-if6it]

I think it helped that Ian took less breaths

[@miriamsheppard6162]

hahahah ervin's earring

[@john-paulmatlam801]

Who’s here after watching the today show?

[@kristoferjensjangeles6641]

The USA tracksuit is like Team France

[@suekennedy1595]

Never seen such a deflated silver medalist ever.

[@SwampCityRadio1974]

Yes certainly Gary Busey Junior wasn't pleased.

[@marshajulessa2995]

Anyone remember why Russia was DQ?

[@stucumins8511]

Marsha Julessa I’ve been racking my brain to try and remember but cannot recall the reason for Russia’s DQ.

[@darshandoshi905]

Russians, led by Popov, were disqualified due to an early relay launch from Andrey Kapralov on the lead-off leg.

[@andys2856]

They assassinated all the other teams?

[@CoOoOookie-xh3mu]

@@andys2856 mah gawd I mean, it could have been possible

[@SuperEdge67]

Steroids

[@tnytyson]

Where is commentary

[@jeremysabangan7247]

Goooooo Aauuuuussssiiieeee

[@frasergibson5763]

I loved Thorpe when I was a kid but I can’t help but wonder if he still would’ve been as good if they had the ban on swimsuits back then

[@xkimopye]

Thorpe’s suit is still legal today, it isn’t regarded as a “super suit” and can still be worn at the olympics.

[@frasergibson5763]

Kohan kye when he made his comeback in an attempt to qualify for London 2012, he didn’t wear his suit because of regulations regarding its use

[@doriankeating1963]

He set many world records without a suit and that suit is restrictive also traps heat so in reality it hampered his tiesadthefact he wasn't as successful in his comeback 8 years later after missing over 5 years training is a no event. Means nothing

[@robzap19nintendosteampictures]

National Anthem Recorded by The Royal Australian Navy Band

[@albertlanger2339]

USA lost because of Garry Hall saying "we'll smash them like guitars"

[@baselineleaner1064]

This is Australia's Lance Stephenson moment.

[@JuanGutierrez-wk1no]

Why was Russia disqualified?

[@darshandoshi905]

Russians, led by Popov, were disqualified due to an early relay launch from Andrey Kapralov on the lead-off leg.

[@suekennedy1595]

The American teams at the medals “ not happy jan”.

[@ManuelAlejandroAnguloAlc-pz6qb]

🙏🌺🌼🏊☀️☀️☀️☀️🏊🏊🏊👍 maravilloso👍 jose

[@김수진-g9k4t]

2000호주시드니올림픽수영 남자400M프리스타일릴레이결승 2000.9 호주시드니아쿠아틱센터 당시중계 아나운서 허주 리처드기어 PRETTYWOMAN 표영준 덴젤워싱턴 MaLCOLMSYNEDYX 해설 안창남

[@SingerLara]

Why were the Russians DSQ??

[@vrokhlenko]

And soon after the cheating swimsuit got prohibited

[@shivaunwhite1077]

Not sure how you could say they were cheating when anyone could wear them.

[@vrokhlenko]

@@shivaunwhite1077 Incorrect. They were outrageously expensive and had to be worn only one time - after that their properties would get diminished. So not all swimmers could afford them, especially those from poor countries.