Ian Thorpe to return for 2012 London Olympics
By ANIWednesday, February 2, 2011
MELBOURNE - Five-time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe has announced that he will return to competitive swimming in a bid to contest the 2012 London Olympics.
Thorpedo had retired from swimming in 2006 following a long battle with illness and injury.
“It hasn’t been something that I have taken lightly in making a decision in returning to competitive swimming, but I actually made a decision in September,” the Age quoted Thorpe, as saying.
“When I made that decision I was not able to say anything because I was commentating for the BBC so it was sitting in my gut for a while.”
“I was then taken to see the swimming venue for the London Games, it was an extraordinary venue, and I could actually taste it - I haven’t felt like swimming like that for a very long time,” he added.
The 28-year-old said that he would spend most of his training in the lead-up to the London Olympics in Abu Dhabi and Europe.
“I never thought I would be swimming in a competitive way again, but I am glad that I am. I have spent four years away from the pool and I needed those four years,” Thorpe said.
“I am returning to competitive swimming … I am back in and I am happy with what I am doing,” he added.
Thorpe also said that he would concentrate on the 100m and 200m freestyle. (ANI)