The top two swims are remarkable even by world record standards. Thorpe set his first 800m world record at Hobart in March 2001 then his fastest at the World Championships in Fukuoka in July of the same year, probably his best meet ever and, arguably, the last time he really swam well. His last 200 was 1:50.50 and his last 100 53.2!! Hackett claimed what he always thought was rightfully his at the 2005 World Championships in Montreal, swimming one of the most aggressive races I have ever seen; at one point he was over five seconds 'ahead of world record schedule'.
Commentators use the 'ahead of world record schedule' phrase pretty indiscriminantly as, although there are 'patterns' which tend to be common, at this level everyone swims to their strengths to push their boundaries to the limit. Hackett knew he would have to be way ahead going into the last 100 as there was no way he could approach a low 53 into the finish. The strategy paid off and he claimed his record. Check out the different race patterns and the world record 'Green Line', as first he obliterates the pace, then nearly gets caught .. but, in this case, nearly is enough.
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