Ian Thorpe denies receiving funds from Swimming Australia

Melbourne, Mar 14 (ANI): Denying reports that Swimming Australia gave him money to prepare for his Olympic campaign, Ian Thorpe has said his 150,000 dollars training costs aren't excessive.

Thorpe said he does not believe he has received any funding to prepare for the Olympics.

In the lead-up to this week's selection trials in Adelaide, it had been revealed that Thorpe's preparation has been funded at a cost of 150,000 dollars, a figure more than 10 times that offered to and refused by Stephanie Rice, a number that has apparently angered several of Australia's elite swimmers.

The funding is not a payout to Thorpe, Swimming Australia has said, adding he has not been paid any cash, The Age reports.

"I haven't been paid a cent. I think it's been clarified by a number of people, and that what's been reported isn't factful," Thorpe said.

"There are a number of athletes, either world record holder[s] or Olympic medallists, [who] have been funded, which is not dissimilar to other athletes in the sport," he said.

Asked if the 150,000 dollars was above what he should be receiving, he said: "I don't think it's been excessive. I am happy to be able to talk about this honestly so others know it hasn't been preferential." (ANI)