Only 9 days before the swimming competition is due to get underway in Melbourne, Ian Thorpe sensationally announced today that he is withdrawing from the games.
The Australian swimmer, widely expected to win a number of gold medals, has been unable to overcome a bout of bronchitis and a viral infection which has hampered his preparation.
The news is a big blow to the Australian men’s team who are already without Grant Hackett through injury. In a bizarre twsit of fate, Thorpe’s withdrawal means a call up for Craig Stevens who catapults into the medal reckoning for the 400m freestyle.