Five-time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe has admitted that he is feeling the nerves ahead of his return to competitive swimming.
The 29-year-old has been away from the sport for five years but will make his return at the FINA World Cup in Singapore on Friday.
Thorpe will compete in the 100m individual medley on Friday and the 100m butterfly on Saturday.
"I'm more nervous than I usually am," Thorpe said.
"I'm excited as well. I was equally as excited as I was nervous but, as it's drawn a bit closer, I've got a bit more nervous.
"I'm hoping once I have a few swims, that will sort of dissipate."
Thorpe is aiming to force his way in to the Australian Olympic team for London 2012.
His last competitive swim was at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
