Olympic Sports: Ian Thorpe to miss the World Championships

Triple world record holder Ian Thorpe will miss this year's World Swimming Championships as part of his long-term preparations for the Beijing Olympics.

Thorpe's coach Tracey Menzies confirmed he will bypass the competition in Montreal and admitted it will be hard for the 22-year-old to return to compete in peak competition.

She told ABC's Australian Story: "This year, Ian won't be standing up to race at the world titles which is going to be hard for the Australian team and hard for his team-mates - but it is something he needs to do in preparation for Beijing."

His absence from the event is not surprising as the Australian has had an extended break since Athens and has only been training at a low-key level since the new year.

Menzies acknowledges it will be tough for Thorpe but is confident the eight-time Olympic medallist can return to the pinnacle of his sport.

Sportinglife