Mark Spitz can't wait to watch the dream race - Michael Phelps versus Ian Thorpe - after the Aussie announced to an end his retirement this month.

"My first impression when I heard the news was 'Oh, now I get to see the ultimate race - Ian swims against Michael in 200m freestyle'," Spitz told China Daily before the Laureus World Sports Awards gala ceremony.

Thorpe retired in November 2006, citing waning motivation and a shoulder injury. The 28-year-old dominated the 200m and 400m freestyle in the early part of this millenium, clinching five Olympics gold medals at the Sydney and Athens Olympics. He also won 11 world titles and broke 13 world records.

Spitz, who briefly came back in 1992 after a 20-year retirement, said he never understood why Thorpe's quit in 2006, but welcomes his return now.

"It (Thorpe's return) is very interesting. I am excited and wish him well. It's just 18 months before the London Games, so you can speculate why he has returned. It's great for him, great for Australia and even his sponsor. Anyway, it's what he wants to do," said the 60-year-old American.

Dubbed "Thorpedo", Thorpe was the world's highest-profile swimmer until Phelps burst on to the scene at 2004 Athens Olympics where he swept six gold medals.

"Although Ian had a glorious career and is still competitive, Phelps is definitely in charge and does not need to worry about that," said Spitz. "But we would be privileged to see races between them because they will swim in some of the same events," said Spitz.

(China Daily 02/09/2011 page23)