Star swimmer Ian Thorpe will skip the Commonwealth Games due to illness.
Thorpe, a multiple Olympic and world championship gold medalist, has bronchitis and a viral infection.
"It is very frustrating, it is very disappointing that I cannot be part of the team competing in Melbourne," a tired looking Thorpe told the press yesterday.
The Commonwealth Games are due to start next Wednesday in Melbourne, Australia and Thorpe was to be one of its biggest drawcards.
"I have struggled for the last three weeks to overcome my illness. It's been a very trying time, a difficult time," Thorpe said.
"It was difficult coming to terms with not being able to compete, but in the end it was the only decision I could make -- I would do more damage than good if I compete," he added.
The Commonwealth Games had been scheduled as Thorpe's first major meet since the 2004 Olympics. He skipped the world championships last year and took time out of competitive swimming.
Thorpe said he didn't think he'd be up to the grade after his bout with illness.
"It wouldn't have been a good performance by me if I did compete ... I would have been of little, if any, benefit to the team," he said. "I've had bronchitis ... and because I've been so run down I've picked up other things as well -- I've never taken so many tablets."
Thorpe said he planned to travel to Melbourne to support the Australian team.
Thorpe had been due to swim the 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle races in Melbourne. He was replaced by friend and training partner Craig Stevens.
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