The Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe has taken a small step forward in his bid to qualify for this year's London Olympics but again failed to set the world alight.
The five time Olympic gold medallist has placed fifth in the 200 metres freestyle final at the Victorian championships in Melbourne, a day after failing to make the 100 final.
Thorpe has failed to impress since his comeback to competitive swimming last November, flopping at meets across the Asian World Cup series after returning from a five-year absence.
