Five time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe has announced at a Sydney press conference today he will make his competitive swimming come back in time for the London Olympics in 2012. Thorpe, who has won gold medals at Olympic, World Championship, Commonwealth and Pan Pacific level, confirmed he was inspired by fellow Olympian Geoff Huegill, who famously made a stunning comeback at the New Delhi Commonwealth games last year, shedding around 40 kilograms to get back in the pool.
Thorpe, who retired from competitive swimming in 2006, said he made the decision after visiting the swimming venue of the London Olympics last year.
Initially he will race to be selected on a relay team, and possibly an individual spot on the Australian Olympic team in the process. The 28 year old will focus on the 100 and 2o0m events.
“I never thought I would be having this press conference. I never thought this would happen,” he said.