Swimming: Thorpe withdraws from Games

Ian Thorpe

Olympic and world champion swimmer Ian Thorpe has withdrawn from Australia's Commonwealth Games team due to illness. An ill-looking Thorpe made the announcement at a press conference in Sydney this afternoon.

The five-time Olympic gold medallist has been suffering from bronchitis in addition to a mystery illness, which had severely curtailed his training since last month's Australian selection trials in Melbourne.

He recently underwent a series of medical tests, which were unable to determine the nature of the illness.

Thorpe was due to compete in the 100 metres and 200m freestyle events, as well as the three relays.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA