Thorpe rediscovers competitive spirit

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Champion swimmer Ian Thorpe is back in training after taking a 12-month break from the sport.

Thorpe elected to bypass this year’s world championships for a rest which he says has reignited his passion for swimming.

“Two years ago I probably waned a little bit, it wasn’t the same, and I hadn’t been as excited about what I can do in the pool,” he said.

But Thorpe is now looking forward to returning to competitive swimming, with next year’s Commonwealth Games his first major event.

Thorpe is yet to decide on his Commonwealth Games schedule but said he intended to focus on the shorter events.

The Olympic champion’s recent absence from international competition enabled rival and friend Grant Hackett to win Thorpe’s signature event - the 400 metres freestyle - at this year’s world championships in Montreal.

But despite losing his 400m crown, Thorpe said he was unsure if he would compete against Hackett in Melbourne.

“I haven’t determined which events I will swim. I intend to swim the 100 and 200 freestyle. Whether I swim the 400, I’m not sure, and the same with the 50,” he said.

The Commonwealth Games will take place in Melbourne from March 15-26.