Oz swimming coach defends monetary aid for Thorpe, other comeback swimmers

Melbourne, Mar. 12 (ANI): Australian swimming head coach Leigh Nugent has defended Swimming Australia's decision to give extra money to comeback swimmers Ian Thorpe, Libby Trickett and Michael Klim.

He said that anyone grudging this aid should be seen as an "ungrateful Australian".

According to The Age, a number of elite swimmers - some of whom will be medal prospects in London - are upset the comeback swimmers have received money to help with their training, significantly above what they receive.

Thorpe is rumoured to have got over 100,000 dollars for his training preparation, which has taken place in Europe.

While Swimming Australia denied it had paid any cash to the trio, it confirmed the trio all were given support in their daily training environment, "just like all athletes".horpe has won more Olympics gold medals than any other Australian. (ANI)