Did you know that Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe, nicknamed "Thorpedo" during the 2004 Olympic Games after winning three gold and two silvers, also suffered from allergies?

Thorpe took up swimming at five and was found to be allergic to chlorine. Giving up the pursuit for a year, he returned in an outdoor pool. He began wearing a nose clip and outgrew the allergy.

And emerged to achieve a dazzling career as a professional swimmer(although he recently announced his retirement). Amazing.

[Photo: BBC]