And it's not just because legend swimmer Ian Thorpe, our greatest ever Olympian, has retired.

CNN: Australia prepares to 'give it a go'

Australian swimming sensation Ian Thorpe had called for a stricter doping regime for competitors at the Commonwealth Games.

BBC: Organisers talk tough on drugs

Australian schoolboy Ian Thorpe came within one one-hundredth of a second of setting a new world record in the men's 200m freestyle.

BBC: European and Commonwealth gold

Earlier this year, the Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe, holder of nine Olympic medals made world-wide news by re-entering the pool with his sights set on London.

WSJ: Menu

Sharron Davies and Mark Spitz both attempted comebacks after their Olympic triumphs, and Ian Thorpe still hopes to compete in this year's swimming world championship in Barcelona.

BBC: 7 questions on early retirement

When Ian Thorpe entered the Manchester Aquatics Centre for his first appearance at the Commonwealth Games, the cheer from the sell-out crowd almost blew him into the swimming pool.

BBC: Aussies hail the 'Thorpedo'

ATHENS, Greece (CNN) -- Ian Thorpe and world record holder Pieter van den Hoogenband are set for a classic confrontation in the 100 meters freestyle final on Wednesday with the Australian seeking to pull off an unprecedented 100m, 200m and 400m Olympic treble.

CNN: Titanic battle set for 100m final

The Prince's passion for sport is represented by Australian Olympic swimmer Ian "Thorpedo" Thorpe, Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas, former West Ham and England footballer Trevor Brooking, and jockey and friend of the prince, Sam Waley-Cohen.

CNN: Who's going to the royal wedding? Check out the guest list!

It soon became 314 for eight when Roger Sillence (nine) edged Gough to Ashley Thorpe at second slip but some lusty blows by Ian Fisher and Jon Lewis took the lead to in excess of 100.

BBC: Durham back on track