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Swimmer Ian Thorpe announces retirement

SYDNEY, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, said he will give up the professional aspect of the sport.

Thorpe, who has also earned 11 world titles and set 13 long-course world records, said he would remain involved in swimming in some capacity, The Age reported Tuesday.

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"I'm actually going to discontinue my professional swimming career," he said. However, he said, "I intend to have a role with swimming still, I think that's important."

"I don't see myself competing again. I don't think it will happen. I won't rule it out but it's not going to happen," he told The Age.

"I realized I had to prove other things and let swimming take a back seat at this stage.

"I'm looking at a next phase, and that next phase means I am realigning the most important thing for me to do.

"Swimming falls somewhere short, which is never the way it used to be.''

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