Olympic champ Manaudou set for comeback
Former Olympic and world champion swimmer Laure Manaudou, following in the shoes of Ian Thorpe and Janet Evans, has confirmed that she is returning to competition with a view to taking part in next summer's Olympics in London.
Former Olympic and world champion swimmer Laure Manaudou, following in the shoes of Ian Thorpe and Janet Evans, has confirmed that she is returning to competition with a view to taking part in next summer's Olympics in London.
Frenchwoman Manaudou told RTL television that she would compete nearly two years after she retired from the sport in September 2009. "I'm not at a level to compete in the world championships, but I'm going to work hard," said the 24-year-old who became a national heroine at the 2004 Olympics when she took gold in the 400 metres freestyle, becoming the first ever female winner from France.
Manaudou struggled soon after due to problems with her long-time coach and the break-up with her then boyfriend. She attempted to bounce back in Beijing in 2008 but failed.