Thorpe’s Olympic Dreams Might Be Running Out

Thorpe’s Olympic Dreams Might Be Running Out

Five-time Olympic gold medalist Ian Thorpe took a small step forward in his bid to qualify for this year's London Games on Saturday but again failed to set the world blazing.

The 29-year-old placed fifth in the 200 meters freestyle final at the Victorian swimming titles in Melbourne, a day after failing to make the 100 final.

Thorpe clocked 1: 50.79 seconds, a time well outside his former world record of 1:44.06 set in 2001, which stood for almost six years. Jarrod Killey won the race in 1:48.28 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Thorpe has failed to impress since his comeback to competitive swimming last November, flopping at meets across the Asian World Cup series after returning from a five-year absence.

Thorpe himself conceded he made have begun his comeback a little late to qualify for London after failing to reach the 100 final on Friday.

Australian national coach Leigh Nugent told local media "Time was always going to be the enemy," he said. "Maybe the run for the trials, for the Olympics, was a little bit late."

"Being a big man it takes perhaps longer for him to get ready for a competition."

Nugent said Thorpe could still prove the doubters wrong.

"He's a fantastic athlete. He's our greatest ever and you can never underestimate his capability."

Posted by Andre Monohan on Sunday January 15 2012, 4:29 AM EST. Ref: Reuters. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0