In 2000, Thorpe embarked on a European FINA World Cup tour in order to hone his racecraft prior to the 2000 Summer Olympics, but was faced comments from German head coach Manfred Thiesmann. Thiesmann implied that Thorpe was using steroids, stating "We all know Lamberti was pumped up and his times stood for ages, but Thorpe is not only passing them – he's passing them by seconds." The Australian delegation pointed to Thorpe's clean record, while "Swimming World" editor-in-chief Phillip Whitten stated his belief that Thorpe was clean: "There is absolutely no reason to suspect Ian Thorpe is doping. Detailed underwater stroke analysis shows he has extraordinary technique. In addition, he exhibits none of the physical signs of drug use. His physical attributes, natural talent, excellent coaching and superior technique account entirely for his superb performances."