One of Australia’s greatest swimmers, Ian Thorpe, popularly known as “Thorpedo” has confirmed Tuesday that he is back training to compete in upcoming major swimming events next year. Considered one of the greatest swimmers Australia has produced, Thorpe announces Tuesday at a press conference in Sydney that he has set his sights at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The 28-year-old champion athlete has already earned five Olympic gold medals to his name since he began competing at the pool in 1998. Specializing in freestyle, Thorpe stayed in the competition for almost six years until he retired in 2006, citing exhaustion as reason for his break from the pool. His last major competition was at Athens in 2004, according to ABC Newcastle.

"It hasn't been something that I have taken lightly in making a decision in returning to competitive swimming but I actually made a decision in September," Thorpe was quoted as saying by The Age.

He had dominated the 400-m freestyle in every Olympic event before his retirement. But Thorpe emphasized at the Sydney conference that he would be competing at the 100m and 200 m relay teams, reiterating that his focus is on the 100m events.

"I never thought I would be swimming in a competitive way again but I am glad that I am," Thorpe said, according to The Age. "I have spent four years away from the pool and I needed those four years. I am returning to competitive swimming ... I am back in and I am happy with what I am doing."

Speculations of his ominous return to the pool began when he was seen training in Sydney. The Age added that Thorpe clarified during the conference that he is now being coached via text by Australian swimming head mentor, Leigh Nugent.