Aussies Name Team to 2002 Short Course World Champs: Thorpe Won’t Go

SYDNEY, Sept 10. IAN Thorpe is one of three top Australian swimmers who will not be competing at next year's short course World Championships in Moscow, Australian officials announced.

The Sydney teenager, who won a record six gold medals at this year's long course World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, said he wants to save himself for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and the Pan Pacific championships in Yokohama.

Thorpe's coach Doug Frost said the 18-year-old was taking a holiday, including a trip to the USA, and would return to competition at the Australian Championships in Brisbane in March.

Thorpe, though, would skip the short course titles to be held from April 4-7, Frost said.

Geoff Huegill, who won the 50 meter butterfly title at the World Championships has also withdrawn from the Moscow World Championships, as has 100 meter breaststroke silver medalist Leisel Jones.

But the rest of Australia's top swimmers — including world champions Grant Hackett, Matt Welsh, Petria Thomas and Giaan Rooney — have been included in a 35-strong squad.

Australian squad:

Men – Ashley Callus, Stephen Goudie, Grant Hackett, Ray Hass, Brett Hawke, William Kirby, Michael Klim, Beau Mannix, Antony Matkovich, Brenton Rickard, Justin Norris, Adam Pine, Jim Piper, Phil Rogers, Trent Steed, Craig Stevens, Robert Van der Zant, Matt Welsh

Women – Frances Adcock, Charlene Benzie, Michelle Engelsman, Felicity Galvez, Elka Graham, Brooke Hanson, Melanie Houghton, Nicole Irving, Lori Munz, Amanda Pascoe, Jennifer Reilly, Giaan Rooney, Sarah Ryan, Clementine Stoney, Petria Thomas, Kelly Tucker.

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