Swimming: Thorpe in doubt for Melbourne Games

With less than two weeks before the Commonwealth Games begin in Melbourne, Australia's star swimmer Ian Thorpe is struggling to shake off an illness that has left his Games preparation in tatters.

Thorpe is due to compete in the 100 metres and 200 metres freestyle events along with three relays, but his participation is in doubt due to the infection.

Thorpe's manager Dave Flaskas told Channel 10 doctors were running a series of tests to try to determine the nature of the illness which has slowed Australia's most successful Olympic athlete.

Should Thorpe be ruled out of the Games it would be a major blow for both the Australian team and Games organisers.

Grant Hackett, who is probably Australia's next best credentialed swimmer after Thorpe, has already ruled himself out of Melbourne as he recovers from shoulder surgery.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA