LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Three-time Olympic gold medalist Ian Thorpe and 12 of his Australian teammates will compete in the Janet Evans Invitational swim meet, a tuneup for the Athens Games.
Thorpe will be joined by 2000 Olympians Michael Klim, Sarah Ryan
and Petria Thomas, as well as Craig Stevens, who is expected to
yield his Olympic spot in the 400-meter freestyle to Thorpe in
Athens.
Thorpe, the world and Olympic champion in the 400, was
disqualified for a false start during heats at the Australian
Olympic trials, allowing Stevens to get an unexpected slot.
"This is a great opportunity for swimming fans in Southern
California to see a preview of the USA versus Australia rivalry
that will take place in Athens," said Mark Schubert, who'll coach
the U.S. women in Athens.
The Evans meet will be held June 10-13 in an above-ground pool.
It is relocating to Long Beach this year from its usual home at the
University of Southern California.
About 800 swimmers are expected to participate in the tuneup for
the U.S. Olympic trials, set for July 7-14 in the same pool.