Thorpe lifeline as rival gets £25,000

13 April 2012

Ian Thorpe will defend his Olympic 400 metres swimming title despite being disqualified for a false start at the Australian trials - after the man who took his place was paid £25,000 to step aside.

Thorpedo's former training partner Craig Stevens has reportedly been given a deal by Olympic broadcaster Channel Seven to drop out of the 400m in Athens.

The payment included a fee for breaking the news in an exclusive interview on the Today Tonight programme, plus the promise of a job with the network.

Stevens finished second behind Grant Hackett in last month's trials after Thorpe, unbeaten in the event for seven years, fell off the blocks and was automatically disqualified.

The 23-year-old says he wants to concentrate on his two other events - the 1500m and relay. World record holder Thorpe, 21, has qualified for the 100m and 200m freestyle but his best chance for Olympic gold is in the 400m.

He said he would only take the spot if it was not a result of Stevens stepping down due to pressure placed on him.

According to Australian Swimming criteria, if one of the selected swimmers withdraws from an event, that place goes to the next-ranked swimmer, who must be a member of the team.

Josh Krogh finished third in the 400m, but didn't make the team because he wasn't first or second in any event.

Stevens insisted his decision was based on his desire to concentrate on the 1500m, plus the relay. "Money was never, ever a motivation whatsoever," he said. "The decision I've made is to stand aside in the 400 freestyle in the hope I will get to see Ian swim that final on day one of the Olympic Games - and also to put all my focus on the two other events. In the end, it's just all been based on me. There have been pressures on me that have kind of upset me, but in the end the decision I've made has come from the heart."

Australia Swimming Inc said no comment would be made from either the national swimming body or from Thorpe until tomorrow.

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