Editing Ian Thorpe (section)

==Tracey Menzies era (2003–2006)==
After the 2002 Pan Pacific Championships, Thorpe announced that he was splitting with Frost to train with one of his assistants, [[Tracey Menzies]], who had no prior international experience. Admitting that tension existed between him and Frost, Thorpe asserted that the split was amicable. He cited waning motivation for the split, stating "I decided I either had to make the change or it was to walk away from the sport".<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe splits with coach|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/2253415.stm|publisher=BBC|date=12 September 2002|access-date=8 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116052840/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/2253415.stm|archive-date=16 January 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> The retired Talbot expressed concerns that Thorpe was making a decision whilst he was physically and emotionally drained, while other coaches felt that the new relationship would end up with Thorpe, rather than Menzies, making the decisions.<ref name="ABC profile"/><ref>Hunter, pp. 311–313.</ref><ref>Talbot, pp. 232–233.</ref> Despite a turbulent year, he was again named by ''Swimming World'' as its World Swimmer of the Year.<ref name="swiminfo 2002"/>

Along with the switch of coaches, Thorpe indicated that he would put more focus on improving his sprinting ability. He thus dropped the 800&nbsp;m freestyle despite being the reigning world champion and record holder.<ref>Hunter, p. 321–323.</ref> During this period, his times in the 400&nbsp;m and 200&nbsp;m freestyle deteriorated, and both he and Menzies were criticised. The criticism continued to mount during their partnership, particularly during the build-up to the 2004 Olympics. Following his victory in the 200 and 400 events in Athens, Thorpe said that his results justified his decision, despite posting substantially faster times as a young swimmer under Frost.<ref name="Hunter-2004">Hunter, pp. 389–398.</ref>

In May 2002, Thorpe also hosted the [[Australia]]n [[reality television]] show ''[[Undercover Angels]]'' on the [[Seven Network]]. The show ran for 11 episodes and was widely panned by media critics.

===2003 World Aquatics Championships===
{{MedalTableTop|name=no|header=[[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships|2003 World Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200 m freestyle]] | 1:45.14}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]] | 3:42.58}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m freestyle]] | 7:08.58}}
{{MedalSilver | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 200 metre individual medley|200 m medley]] | 1:59.66}}
{{MedalBronze | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100 m freestyle]] | 48.77}}
{{MedalBottom}}
The first major test of Thorpe's partnership with Menzies came at the Australian Championships held in Sydney in March. Thorpe did not threaten any of his world records, completing the 400&nbsp;m and 200&nbsp;m freestyle more than two and one seconds respectively off his best. Despite defeating Hackett in both races to retain his titles,<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Aussie Champs: Jones Lowers Breast Mark Again, Thorpe Unhappy With 8th Fastest 200 Free|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5172.asp|work=Swimming World|date=24 March 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195911/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5172.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> he later admitted that he was "pretty disappointed" with his performances.<ref>Hunter, pp.&nbsp;326–327.</ref> When he tied with [[Ashley Callus]] in a time of 49.05&nbsp;s,<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Thorpe, Callus Tie in 100&nbsp;m Free at Aussie Trials|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5182.asp|work=Swimming World|date=25 March 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200626/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5182.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> he was criticised by ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' which stated "The measure of Thorpe's sprinting ability is that he could only match the efforts of a virus-riddled Callus".<ref name="Hunter, p. 308"/> Thorpe found some relief by setting a new Commonwealth record of 2&nbsp;min 00.11&nbsp;s in his first long course 200&nbsp;m individual medley outing, the fifth fastest time in the past year.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Aussie Champs: Hackett Swims 7th Fastest 800; Thorpe Breaks Commonwealth Record in 200 IM|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5191.asp|work=Swimming World|date=27 March 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200639/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5191.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thorpe attracted further criticism when he withdrew from the [[2003 Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool|inaugural Duel in the Pool]] with a medical complaint, despite travelling overseas for commercial and charity work.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Thorpe Withdraws From 'Duel in the Pool'|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/flash-thorpe-withdraws-from-duel-in-the-pool/|date=28 March 2003|access-date=15 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130101839/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/flash-thorpe-withdraws-from-duel-in-the-pool/|archive-date=30 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Hunter, pp. 325–330.</ref>

Thorpe arrived for the [[2003 World Aquatics Championships|2003 World Championships]] in Barcelona for his first major international competition since Menzies' appointment under heavy media scrutiny following his non-improvement at the Australian Championships. On the first night of competition Thorpe defeated Hackett in the [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400&nbsp;m freestyle]] in a time 2.5&nbsp;s outside his world record,<ref name = "WC2003 1">{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=World Champs, Day One Finals: Jenny Thompson Anchors US Women, Popov Anchors Russian Men to Gold in the 400 Free Relay|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5638.asp|work=Swimming World|date=20 July 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154821/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5638.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> making him the first to win three world titles in the same event.<ref name="abc career"/> After his relatively slow 400&nbsp;m, he was again under pressure in the [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200&nbsp;m freestyle]] after van den Hoogenband led at the 100&nbsp;m mark ahead of world record pace. Thorpe managed to respond and retain his world title,<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last= Thomas|title=Phelps Sets World Record, Three Championship Marks Tumble|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5653.asp|work=Swimming World|date=22 July 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200447/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5653.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> and gained some relief after his sprint training yielded his first medal in the [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100&nbsp;m freestyle]] at a global competition; he finished third in 48.77&nbsp;s.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=World Champs, Day 5 Finals: Two World Records and 3 Championship Records Set, Popov Upsets Hoogie to Highlight Day 5|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5665.asp|work=Swimming World|date=24 July 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930153928/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5665.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> In all three freestyle events however, he had swum slower than his times under Frost. He ended his individual campaign on a promising note with his experiment with the [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 200 metre individual medley|200&nbsp;m individual medley]], setting a new personal best of 1&nbsp;min 59.66&nbsp;s to claim silver.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Michael Does It Again, Destroys 200 IM Mark|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5669.asp|work=Swimming World|date=24 July 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200548/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5669.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thorpe again anchored the [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;200&nbsp;m freestyle]] team to retain the world title along with Hackett, [[Nicholas Sprenger]] and [[Craig Stevens (swimmer)|Craig Stevens]], with a reduced margin over the Americans, who finished less than two seconds in arrears.<ref name="abc career"/><ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=World Champs, Day 4 Finals: Phelps, Aussie 800 Free Relay Take Gold; Kitajima Lowers Championship Mark Again in 200 Breaststroke|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5660.asp|work=Swimming World|date=24 July 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154618/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5660.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Michael Klim]]'s injuries left the relay teams weakened, with Thorpe anchoring the [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m freestyle]] team to fourth,<ref name="WC2003 1"/><ref>Hunter, pp. 337–342.</ref> At the end of a difficult year in the water, his standing had fallen in the eyes of ''Swimming World'', who rated him fourth in the world. He was again named as Australian Swimmer of the Year, jointly with Hackett.<ref>Hunter, pp. 346–347.</ref>

===2004 Summer Olympics===
{{MedalTableTop|name=no|header=[[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Summer Olympics]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200 m freestyle]] | 1:44.71 (OR)}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]] | 3:43.10}}
{{MedalSilver | [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m freestyle]] | 7:07.46}}
{{MedalBronze | [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100 m freestyle]] | 48.56}}
{{MedalBottom}}
After his feats at the 2003 World Championships, [[Speedo]] had generated significant media publicity by offering [[Michael Phelps]] US$1&nbsp;million if he could match Spitz's seven golds. Thorpe was adamant that this was impossible, and scrapped his seventh event, the 200&nbsp;m individual medley from his Olympic program.<ref>Hunter, pp. 349–350.</ref> In late March 2004 at the Australian Championships in Sydney, Thorpe overbalanced whilst on the blocks in the heats of the 400&nbsp;m freestyle and fell into the water, resulting in his disqualification and ending the defence of his Olympic 400&nbsp;m title.<ref name="abc career"/> This resulted in a large debate among the swimming and public community as to whether Thorpe should be given an exception to Australia's policy of selecting the first and second place getters, with [[Prime Minister of Australia]] [[John Howard]] describing the situation as a "tragedy".<ref>{{cite news|first=Mark|last=Bannerman|title=Thorpe's tumble divides nation|url=http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2004/s1076520.htm|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=29 March 2004|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104045942/http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2004/s1076520.htm|archive-date=4 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite the intense media spotlight, Thorpe managed to win the 100&nbsp;m and 200&nbsp;m freestyle events to ensure his selection for Athens. [[Craig Stevens (swimmer)|Craig Stevens]], who had claimed the second qualifying position in the 400&nbsp;m event, subsequently faced immense public pressure to relinquish his position to Thorpe, and later did so in a television interview for which he was paid.<ref name="abc career"/> This generated ethical debate as to whether Stevens' decision had been bought, and criticism against Thorpe.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mark|last=Bannerman|title=Stevens announcement raises financial questions for world sport|url=http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2004/s1095187.htm|format=The 7.30 report, transcript|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=29 April 2004|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023114624/http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2004/s1095187.htm|archive-date=23 October 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>Hunter, pp. 354–359.</ref>

The pressure in the lead-up was further compounded by the media attention surrounding Phelps, who had decided that the 200&nbsp;m freestyle would be one of the events in his quest for eight gold medals. This prompted many media outlets to label the race between Thorpe, van den Hoogenband, Phelps and Hackett as ''The Race of the Century''. With the press spotlight growing, Thorpe tried to avoid media attention, resulting in a few terse media events.<ref>Hunter, pp. 377–380.</ref> Thorpe's increasing focus on the 100&nbsp;m event, coupled with the media pressure, resulted in speculation that he was vulnerable to Hackett in the [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400&nbsp;m event]]. Thorpe made a slow start in the final, reaching the 100&nbsp;m mark one second outside world record pace. In a topsy-turvy performance at irregular pace, there were multiple changes of lead before Thorpe established a body-length lead by 350&nbsp;m. He was closed down by Hackett, holding on by only 0.26&nbsp;s in a time three seconds outside his own world record.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe, Hackett quinella 400&nbsp;m free|url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200408/s1176720.htm|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=15 August 2004|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112000645/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200408/s1176720.htm|archive-date=12 November 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>Hunter, pp. 384–388.</ref>

With Klim recently returning from a two-year injury layoff, and Callus ill, Thorpe could only anchor Australia to sixth in the [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m freestyle relay]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=South African Men Take a Historic Relay Victory in 400 free- Smash World Record|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/7821.asp|work=Swimming World|date=15 August 2004|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195858/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/7821.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200&nbsp;m]] began with van den Hoogenband again attacking immediately, reaching the 100&nbsp;m mark more than a second under the world record split, with Thorpe half a body length behind. Thorpe gradually reduced the lead before passing van den Hoogenband in the last 50&nbsp;m to win ''The Race of the Century'' by half a body length, in a new Olympic record of 1&nbsp;min 44.71&nbsp;s.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=The Thorpedo Triumphs over Hoogie in the 'Race of the Century', Phelps Takes the Bronze|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/7839.asp|work=Swimming World|date=16 August 2004|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200646/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/7839.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Having achieved what had eluded him four years earlier, Thorpe reacted emotionally, immediately tearing off his cap, punching the air and screaming.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe makes history in 200&nbsp;m free|url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/s1178025.htm|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=17 August 2004|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112170550/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/s1178025.htm|archive-date=12 November 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The next day saw six years of Australian victory in the [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;200&nbsp;m freestyle relay]] ended when Hackett, Klim and Sprenger had put Thorpe into the final leg 1.48&nbsp;s behind Keller. Thorpe gradually reduced the margin but was unable to pass Keller in the last lap, the United States touching 0.13&nbsp;s earlier.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=USA Downs Aussies in 800 Freestyle Relay in American Record 7:07.33 Italy Takes the Bronze|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/7865.asp|work=Swimming World|date=17 August 2004|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154641/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/7865.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=US too good in 4×200&nbsp;m relay|url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200408/s1178894.htm|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=18 August 2004|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112015803/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200408/s1178894.htm|archive-date=12 November 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thorpe found himself on the other side of a close result when he qualified last for the [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100&nbsp;m freestyle]] by 0.01&nbsp;s. He capitalised in the final by coming from sixth at the 50&nbsp;m mark to win bronze medal in a personal best of 48.56&nbsp;s,<ref name="Hunter-2004"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Van den Hoogenband wins 100|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics_2004/swimming/3577798.stm|publisher=BBC|date=18 August 2004|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515035309/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics_2004/swimming/3577798.stm|archive-date=15 May 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> making him the only person to medal in the 100–200–400 combination in Olympic history.<ref name="abc career"/> After the Athens Olympics, Thorpe took a break from competitive swimming, skipping the [[2005 World Aquatics Championships]].

===2006: Attempted return and retirement===
[[File:Thorpe's Aquatic Center.jpg|thumb|320px|[[Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre]] in [[Ultimo, New South Wales|Ultimo, Sydney]]]]

Thorpe returned to competition at the New South Wales Championships in December 2005. He raced in the 200&nbsp;m and stated his intention to retire after the [[2008 Summer Olympics]] in Beijing.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe Not Planning Beyond 2008|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10697.asp|work=Swimming World|date=27 January 2006|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200554/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10697.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thorpe announced that due to a desire to concentrate on the 100&nbsp;m freestyle, he had dropped his pet event, the 400&nbsp;m. He was unmoved by national coach [[Alan Thompson (swimming coach)|Alan Thompson]], who implored him to continue swimming the event.<ref>{{cite news|title=Aussie Expectations Are High for Commonwealth Games|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10507.asp|work=Swimming World|date=2 January 2006|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061230053440/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10507.asp|archive-date=30 December 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> In February, Thorpe qualified for the [[2006 Commonwealth Games]] by winning the 100&nbsp;m and 200&nbsp;m freestyle in times of 49.24&nbsp;s and 1&nbsp;min 46.42&nbsp;s respectively. He expressed disappointment with his performances; he speculated that he may have misjudged his new training schedule and anticipated further improvement.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Australian Commonwealth Games Trials: Day Two Finals: Flash! Lenton Regains World Record in the 100 Freestyle; Thorpe Makes A Successful Return in the 200 Free|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10754.asp|work=Swimming World|date=31 January 2006|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070125220051/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10754.asp|archive-date=25 January 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Australian Commonwealth Games Trials: Day Four Finals: Schipper Breaks Commonwealth Record to Win 100 Fly; Thorpe Gets the Job Done in 100 Freestyle to Take Fifth Title|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10771.asp|work=Swimming World|date=2 February 2006|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195851/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10771.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Soon after, Thorpe announced his withdrawal from the Commonwealth Games due to a bout of [[bronchitis]], which had stopped him from training.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe is Out of Commonwealth Games|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10981.asp|work=Swimming World|date=7 March 2006|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061230053722/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10981.asp|archive-date=30 December 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Illness forces Thorpe to stand down |url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,18377317-2,00.html |access-date=7 March 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060511082351/http://www.news.com.au/story/0%2C10117%2C18377317-2%2C00.html |archive-date=11 May 2006 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Thorpe's illness was later diagnosed as a strain of [[infectious mononucleosis|glandular fever]],<ref>{{cite news|first=Jim|last=Wilson|title=Ian Thorpe turns to gymnastics|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20532859-14641,00.html|work=Herald Sun|location=Australia|date=6 October 2006|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411122906/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20532859-14641,00.html|archive-date=11 April 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> and after a further delay caused by a broken hand, he moved to the United States in July to work with [[Dave Salo]]. Further disruption followed when the Australian switched coaches, citing excessive and ongoing media attention.<ref>{{cite news|first=Nicole|last=Jeffery|title=City of Angels full of answers for Thorpe|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20525791-2722,00.html|work=The Australian|date=5 October 2006|access-date=10 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919133240/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20525791-2722,00.html|archive-date=19 September 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thorpe's stay was constantly surrounded by rumours that he was suffering from ill discipline; this fuelled speculation that his international career was on the decline.<ref>{{cite news|first=Rebecca|last=Wilson|title=Thorpe – Me, LA and gay rumours|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20186448-661,00.html|work=Herald Sun|location=Australia|date=20 August 2006|access-date=24 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080130121323/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20186448-661,00.html|archive-date=30 January 2008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe fitness weighs heavily on Australian minds|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20060806/sport/thorpes-fitness-weighs-heavily-on-australian-minds.45310|agency=Reuters|date=4 August 2006|access-date=10 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909144300/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20060806/sport/thorpes-fitness-weighs-heavily-on-australian-minds.45310|archive-date=9 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

Upon his return to Australia, Thorpe withdrew from the selection trials for the [[2007 World Aquatics Championships|2007 World Championships]] and announced his retirement on 21 November 2006.<ref>{{cite news|first=Lincoln |last=Archer |title=Ian Thorpe quits swimming |url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20795172-2,00.html |date=21 November 2006 |access-date=21 November 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917114431/http://www.news.com.au/story/0%2C23599%2C20795172-2%2C00.html |archive-date=17 September 2008 }}</ref> Thorpe said that he had been contemplating retirement for some time, but was afraid of the future because swimming had given him a "safety blanket".<ref name=ret2/> Thorpe stated that he retired despite reaching higher levels of fitness, noting "As I got fit, physically fit, my mind also got fit".<ref name=ret2/> He said a clear mind allowed him to reach his decision. He was close to tears when thanking the Australian public, but declared that his retirement was a "joyous" occasion of celebration.<ref name=ret2>{{cite news|first=Nicole|last=Jeffery|title=Thorpe looks up from black line|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/thorpe-looks-up-from-black-line/story-fna7dq6e-1111112562565|work=The Australian|date=22 November 2006|access-date=22 November 2006}}</ref>

In 2007, the French sports newspaper ''[[L'Équipe]]'' claimed that Thorpe "showed 'abnormal levels' of two banned substances in a doping test" in 2006 prior to his retirement.<ref>{{cite news|title=Doping allegations to sink Aussie swimmer Thorpe?|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/summer/2007-03-30-thorpe_N.htm|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=31 March 2007|access-date=26 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226233134/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/summer/2007-03-30-thorpe_N.htm|archive-date=26 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=L'Equipe: Thorpe showed 'abnormal levels' of banned substances |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/sports/20070330-1643-swm-thorpe-dopingreport.html |newspaper=[[U-T San Diego]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |publisher=[[Platinum Equity]] |date=30 March 2007 |access-date=15 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115095549/http://www.utsandiego.com/sports/20070330-1643-swm-thorpe-dopingreport.html |archive-date=15 January 2015 }}</ref> Thorpe denied the charges. The [[Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority]] (ASADA) confirmed that they had investigated Thorpe in the past, for abnormal levels of [[testosterone (medication)|testosterone]] and [[luteinising hormone]] (LH), but had dismissed the result.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jacquelin|last=Magnay|title=Thorpe likely to be cleared|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/swimming/thorpe-likely-to-be-cleared/2007/04/05/1175366408414.html?page=fullpage|newspaper=[[The Age]]|location=Melbourne, Australia|date=6 April 2007|access-date=20 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921122522/http://www.theage.com.au/news/swimming/thorpe-likely-to-be-cleared/2007/04/05/1175366408414.html?page=fullpage|archive-date=21 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe maintains innocence, vows to clear name|url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200704/s1886783.htm|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=1 April 2007|access-date=2 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112170545/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200704/s1886783.htm|archive-date=12 November 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> FINA dropped its investigation and closed the case.<ref name="finadrop">{{cite news|title=Thorpe in clear over drugs test|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/swimming/7082485.stm|publisher=BBC|date=7 November 2007|access-date=7 November 2007}}</ref> Thorpe has never been found to have used banned substances, and has denied allegations against him while also speaking out against drug use. He has called for the introduction of blood testing, promised to surrender a frozen sample for retrospective testing and repeatedly criticised [[International Swimming Federation|FINA]] for drug-testing procedures that he regards as inadequate.<ref name="ABC profile"/><ref name="Talbot blood"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Hall backs Thorpe over drug use claims|url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200408/s1168739.htm|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=4 August 2004|access-date=10 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601185830/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200408/s1168739.htm|archive-date=1 June 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>