• London Olympics 2012

Sluggish Thorpe looking far short of Olympic standard

ESPN staff
January 13, 2012
Ian Thorpe was 13th fastest on Friday © Getty Images
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Ian Thorpe's hopes of competing at the London 2012 Olympics continue to look ambitious after he failed to reach the 100m Freestyle final at Friday's Victoria State titles.

Thorpe retired in November 2006 after setting 13 world records and winning 11 World Championship golds in addition to five Olympic titles. Now, after more than five years out of the sport, he is aiming to return to Olympic level.

The Australian confesses he does not expect to challenge for another gold medal in London, but he would like to qualify for the 2012 Games. However, he looks far short of qualifying standard ahead of national trials, which take place in March.

Thorpe posted the 13th fastest time, finishing seventh in his heat with a marker of 51.05s. The fastest finisher posted a time of 48.86s. Friday's swim was over two seconds slower than Thorpe's best of 48.56s, which he recorded in 2004.

"It's too slow for where I need to be in a couple of months' time," the 29-year-old said. "It's not a setback... I think nothing of this.

"I'm happy with where I'm at in training. That hasn't translated into anything in competition yet, but a lot of people are reassuring me it will."

Saturday will see Thorpe compete in the 200m Freestyle, which is considered his best hope of qualification for London.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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