17 Mar 2012

Thorpe misses 200 final, Olympic chances fading

5:23 pm on 17 March 2012

Australia swimming great Ian Thorpe told reporters the fairy tale had descended into a nightmare after failing to qualify for Friday night's 200 metre freestyle final at selection trials in Adelaide, plummeting his chances of making the London Olympics.

Thorpe faded late in his semi-final to finish sixth and only managing the 12th fastest time as he missed out on the eight-man final.

The 200 was considered Thorpe's best chance at qualification and his hopes now ride on finishing top six in a strong field for the 100 freestyle, starting Sunday.

Thorpe says he was disappointed with the result and thought he could swim a lot quicker.