Ian Thorpe retires from swimming at 24

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Thorpe announces retirement. 21/11/2006. ABC News Online

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Australian swimming superstar Ian Thorpe announced his retirement at a press conference in Sydney this lunchtime.

"As of 2:53 on Sunday afternoon I decided that I would not be swimming the world championships (next year)," the five-time Olympic gold medal winner said.

"I also made another very difficult decision - I decided that I was actually going to discontinue my professional swimming career."

Asked about a possible return to the pool he said: "I won't rule it out, I never rule anything out, but it's just not going to happen."

The world record holder said he wanted to take his life in a new direction after years of swimming "lap after lap staring at a black line".

"It was a tough decision but one that I am very pleased that I have made," he said.

"I have been working towards this decision for quite some time. I am 24 years old, and I am only just 24 as well, I am young enough to still see the new challenges and be able to accept them in my life." (continued)

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Thorpe was Australia's most successful Olympian, winning nine Olympic medals including five golds. He retired as the 200 metres and 400m freestyle world record holder.

A lot of people have voiced their opinions lately that he would be retiring soon, but more likely after Beijing in 2008. It looks like America will now have a big advantage in men's swimming with Michael Phelps in their team.