Olympic sprinter Roland Schoeman of South Africa said the sport without Thorpe is not the same.

"What's unfortunate is we only have a handful of swimmers that can draw a crowd like he can," he said. "It's essential that we find more people in the swimming world that can draw the masses like he could. Until then, it's essential that he does remain in the sport."

The Australian tabloid media, dogged in its pursuit of tidbits about Thorpe, has run photographs of him, suggesting he's overweight and out of shape.

"He's disappointed that he's been hounded by our media in America," Thompson said. "He was hoping to get away from that paparazzi."

The Australian media circus has taken its toll on the 23-year-old, who has been pursued since he was a teenager.

"He's kind of the recluse," Olympic backstroke champion Aaron Peirsol said.

Thorpe's looks, fashion sense and style helped him transcend his sport and made him an international icon, like David Beckham.

His success has generated opportunities far from the pool, which threaten to distract Thorpe and cut into his training two years from the Beijing Olympics.

"We'd love to have him back on our team at his absolute best," Thompson said. "That's a decision only he can make."

Even Phelps' coach wants to see Thorpe's feet kicking in the pool again.

"There aren't many that come along like him," Bob Bowman said.