Nicknamed "Thorpedo," he planned a yearlong break after Athens, claiming "mental fatigue" and hoping to stay fresh for major competitions down the road.

He later decided not to compete at last year's world championships in Montreal, then dropped out of the Commonwealth Games in March due to a bout of glandular fever.

Thorpe said he hoped to be remembered for the manner of his retirement, his decision to quit on his own terms.

"It's emotional because I see my entire swimming career flash before my eyes," he said. "None of my goals included breaking any more world records. I knew how to do it, but it wasn't as inspiring as it should have been."

Thorpe, who won five Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles, did not entirely rule out a comeback.

"I never rule anything out, but it's not going to happen," he said.

More than 100 photographers and reporters packed the conference room of a downtown Sydney hotel for Thorpe's announcement.

His coach, Tracey Menzies, sat or stood at the back of the room most of the time, but left before Thorpe finished answering questions from the media.

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