Thorpe has dropped out of CG

[Woodward]

Illness knocks him out. Shame.

Thorpe out of Commonwealths (http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,18377317-2,00.html)

[Chris]

More than likely the right decision to take.

If I were travelling out their to watch, I would consider his non-participation a major disappointment but there were still be plenty of great action for sure!

[Katie]

What a shame. I think although it may give us more hope of medals, other competitors will be disappointed he's not there.

Without meaning to sound down on our team, is there a single event the Aussie women might not win?? I suppose maybe the 400 and 800 free, and hopefully 200 free (come on mel!!)... but other than that??

[Katie]

Also, just reading the aussie e-swimmer: http://eswimmer.swimming.org.au/Issue%2045/First%20News%20Story.aspx
- can't believe Caitlin McClatchey isn't listed as major opposition!

[Sush]

Yes great shame he's out. Although if he's not in good health then fair play to him! Can't expect him to compete if not 100%. Shame that means both him and Hackett out though!

Mclatchey not a major opposition??? Let's hope she proves them wrong in that case!

[Sean Piper]

Did the footage of the press conference make it to the UK? Ian looks mighty sick!!! I don't blame him... if he feels anywhere near as bad as he looks he'll need all the rest he can get.

This is certainly a big blow to the Australian men's team... the women's team will perform well regardless.

I was speaking to Christian Sprenger today, and apparently despite the news, spirits in the Australian camp are high. Ashley Callus is likely to fill the individual spot in the 100m free, and a decision is still being made on the 200m free.

Odd twist of events that Craig Stevens is being brought onto the team. It's like a whole big karma, full cirlcle kinda deal :)

- Sean

[headabovewater]

Yeah it will be a shame not to see Thorpe swim, but I think it's for the best. He did look pretty unwell, I'm sure he would have been in make up before the shoot though, they probably put blusher on his nose! (Though I don't doubt that he is ill at all)

[Katie]

As he has actually pulled out of the Games, he must be ill. I don't think we can really doubt that, it was supposed to be his big comeback in front of a home crowd and it must be really disappointing for him.

[Sush]

Yes, we can't forget how disappointed he must feel too! He obviously wouldn't give up that chance for nothing.

[lane4]

Yes, we can't forget how disappointed he must feel too! He obviously wouldn't give up that chance for nothing.
Ill or healthy, he had a lot to lose (Schoeman, Burnett, Neethling, weak relays etc) and very little to gain from competing. Whether he will ever swim for Australia again must now be in doubt!?

[Aussiebabe]

Whether he will ever swim for Australia again must now be in doubt!?

Not really.

I also feel he had a lot to lose but rather then the question of if he is ill or isn't, I more question as to why he is ill. Bad preperation, or more likely too long out the water, then pushing to hard to try to get ready for the games seems the most obvious reason. Bad coaching is what I put it down too, as he should never of been allowed to stay out the water for so long.

Anyway I think the great euphoria of English medals at commonwealth games will rear it's ugly head again, and massive praise for The Big Bill.

I will wait until Beijing to really see how far the British have come.

Sean

p.s.Good luck to all my old Guernsey swimming friends:)