AUSTRALIAN swimming legend Ian Thorpe dived into the Playford region on Sunday, appearing at a community fun day held at Elizabeth’s Aquadome.

The 37-year-old, who also celebrated his birthday at the event, told stories about his career in the hope of inspiring the next generation of swimmers.

Speaking to The Bunyip on the day, Thorpe said the Aquadome facilities were perfect for aspiring swimmers.

“The facilities are really good, being able to combine both leisure and recreation,” he said.

“I didn’t have a pool like this when I was a kid, I was in a really dodgy five-lane 25-metre pool where the roof used to leak, so I would’ve loved this as a kid.

“I’m down here, really, to talk about the importance of learning how to swim and why that’s important.

“Swimming is our only sport that starts as a means of survival and then it becomes enjoyment; once you have that skill…it’s something you keep for life.

“When you get to places like this, or when we have hot summers across this country, you can go to beaches, lakes and pools “I want to see more people swimming.”

During his talk to the Playford Swim Club’s coaches and swimmers, Thorpe spoke about his own experiences with mentors and growing up swimming.

“It (coaching) is better now at all different levels, and we have a better understanding,” he said.

“What happens now is when people are trying to finish high school, we change training.

“It used to be that the old school coaches would have to say ‘you need to swim these 10 sessions’ and parents would oppose that, which created friction.

“Now, if kids happen to be a good swimmer, they’ll swim five times a week and they’ll do better at school as exercise releases more oxygen into the brain.”

Playford mayor Glenn Docherty said showing off the Aquadome to Thorpe, and also the Playford community, was a wonderful moment.

“The Aquadome is one of our best quality facilities and one our community really loves to be involved in,” he said.

“The community fun day allows anyone to come down and have a swim at no cost.

“Having ‘Thorpey’ here is about inspiring our young people, and showing them you can reach your dreams if you’re dedicated and have a goal.

“We have a facility that’s world class, and we want all our local kids from participation through to the elite level to have fun here.

“It was a fantastic experience to meet him, he’s a really wonderful fella.

“He’s a humble man, he has a great intellect and is truly a proud Australian, and an absolute bloody legend.”