• London Olympics

Thorpe ends exile from swimming

ESPN staff
February 2, 2011
Ian Thorpe has kept himself in good shape during his time in retirement © Getty Images
Enlarge

One of swimming's most famous names is coming out of retirement, with Ian Thorpe targeting a place at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Thorpe, a winner of five Olympic golds, has not raced competitively since retiring four years ago. He has been repeatedly linked with a comeback and now at the age of 28, he has confirmed he will return to the pool.

"It hasn't been something that I have taken lightly in making a decision to return to competitive swimming but I actually made a decision in September," Thorpe said.

"I never thought this would happen. I never thought that I'd be swimming in a competitive way again.

"I'm very glad that I am. I'm glad I spent four years away from the pool. I needed those four years."

Thorpe's greatest success came in the 400m freestyle, but he has suggested he will concentrate on the 100m and 200m relays rather than attempting individual glory.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices