Thorpe doubts if Phelps can crack Spitz record

By Paul Majendie

BEIJING (Reuters) - Australia's former Olympic champion Ian Thorpe does not believe Michael Phelps can crack Mark Spitz's 1972 record and win eight Games golds.

"I don't think anyone will win eight but if there is any person on the planet that can, it's Michael Phelps," Thorpe told Reuters on Monday.

The 23-year-old American swimmer is setting himself the ultimate target in his sport -- trying to better Spitz's Munich haul of seven golds.

Thorpe, 25, who retired from swimming two years ago and now just takes to the pool for relaxation, said: "I don't think he can't do it, I just don't think he will. Look at the competition."

Phelps won six gold and two bronze medals in Athens and this time the multiple world record holder is going for the same events -- the 100 and 200 butterfly, the 200 and 400 individual medleys, the 200 freestyle and three relays.

"There is a lot of competition, even in the events he is really strong in. They are going to be tough races for him. I think it is going to be the schedule that makes it difficult. He also has to rely on relays.

"I think the competition for him is tougher here than what it would have been in Athens certainly," he added.

Phelps has said Thorpe's pessimistic prediction has helped to motivate him.