In a prepared statement to the packed conference, Thorpe said his battle with sickness and the revelation that there was more to life than swimming had led to his decision.

That revelation had come after his recovery and return to fitness.

"As I got fit, my mind got fit, and I started asking questions," he said. "'What's the relevance of swimming to my life, what would my life be like without swimming?'"

"I haven't balanced out my life as well as what I should have," he said.

Although the 24-year-old said he felt intense pressure to continue swimming, that pressure was coming from others, not from himself.

"It would be dishonest to myself, and to everyone else, if I were to continue on that basis," he said. "I've reached all the dizzy heights of this sport — for all of that I'm extremely appreciative."

Thorpe is regarded as one of the greatest swimmers of all time after winning 11 world titles, five Olympic gold medals and setting 13 individual long-course world records.

When asked whether a comeback was possible, the Olympic champion was dismissive.

"I don't see myself competing again, it won't happen. I won't rule anything out, I never rule anything out, but it just won't happen."

He did not want to reveal his future plans.

Of his decision, Thorpe said: "It's emotional because I see my entire swimming career flash before my eyes.

"I've had a great career. It isn't the best time to be walking away from the sport but it's my time."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister John Howard wished Ian Thorpe well for his life after swimming, describing the Olympian as a remarkable athlete and a good bloke.

"His retirement is an enormous loss to Australian swimming but it's tough, he started early, all swimmers do," he told reporters ahead of his departure from Vietnam.

"Millions of Australians will remember his wonderful individual performances."

Nine News sources revealed that earlier in the day, the Olympic legend had begun the day that would be his last as a professional swimmer in the water — surfing at Cronulla.

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