Ian Thorpe Olympic comeback. Will he be there?

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Spyns clients will be interested to know Ian Thorpe is eying up an Olympic come back. With Micheal Phelps a favourite needing some competition it could make the Games interesting.

MOMENTS after ending speculation about his own future, London Olympic aspirant Geoff Huegill hoped he had also helped Ian Thorpe make up his mind about a swimming comeback.

Huegill, 31, confirmed yesterday that he had the 2012 Games in his sights after making a stunning return to the pool. His well-documented ''from flab to fab'' comeback was one of the great feel-good stories - and he hopes to add another chapter at his third Olympics.

But Huegill also wants another former world champion by his side next year. ''Absolutely. I hope I have ignited a fire in his [Thorpe's] belly,'' said the champion butterflyer. ''Hopefully he will swim on and want to be a relay swimmer [at London].''

Thorpe has been spotted training in Sydney and been in close contact with national head coach Leigh Nugent in recent months, adding to speculation he may return after his 2006 retirement. Huegill believed Thorpe's return would push the sometimes maligned Australian men's swimming team to greater heights before London.

The men began to answer their critics with an encouraging display at the Delhi Commonwealth Games.

However, they were still overshadowed by their female teammates who claimed 16 of Australia's 22 gold medals in the pool.

''A swimmer of his talent will lift the spirits of the swim team two or three notches,'' Huegill said of Thorpe. ''And it [Thorpe's return] would definitely make those younger kids look over their shoulder which ultimately means they have to swim faster if they are going to secure their spot [on the Games team].

''That's one of the best things about a guy like him lurking around in the background - I am just grateful he doesn't do butterfly.''

Thorpe has not yet applied to return to drug testing - something he must do nine months before he intends to compete. He would have to apply by June if he wanted to be eligible to compete at next year's London Olympic trials.

The men's team has had its share of critics - especially when a 31-year-old Huegill and possibly Thorpe, 28, are needed to bolster its ranks. But Huegill defended his team's depth.

''After having an amazing men's team that we had in 2000, it was always going to be hard for the younger guys to fill those shoes,'' he said. ''But one of the most exciting things is that none of the positions in the team is a dead certainty - you still have to fight for your spot.''

Huegill admitted it would have been ''very easy'' to walk away after his Delhi success that included two gold and a silver. But Huegill admitted he would be kicking himself if he hadn't rated his comeback against the ultimate gauge in London - American superstar Michael Phelps.

''I know this is going to be my opportunity to take on the best in the world like Michael Phelps,'' he said. ''I don't want to waste this opportunity that I have got.''

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