The Thorpedo is back!
After weeks of speculation, Ian Thorpe announced his comeback at a press conference today.
Thorpe revealed he had gone to great lengths to keep his secret under wraps, having made the decision in September last year.
He had been training at eight different pools and received coaching by text from Australian swimming head mentor Leigh Nugent.
He had also coerced his close friends into lying so as not to spill the beans, and had only told his family of his plans in January.
Thorpe said he was commentating for the BBC when he decided to return, and was taken to see Olympic swimming venue in London, where he was overwhelmed by the desire to swim again.
Thorpe said most of his training for the next year's Olympics will be in Abu Dhabi and Europe.