SYDNEY - Australia's multiple Olympic champion Ian Thorpe has removed another hurdle in his bid to return to competitive swimming by finally tipping the scales at under 100 kilos, local media reported on Thursday.

The five-times Olympic gold medallist's weight had ballooned since retiring from the pool in 2006 but punishing altitude training in Switzerland appears to have paid off.

Thorpe's manager Dave Flaskas said the Abu Dhabi-based Australian great could race at the New South Wales State meet next February after what is expected to be his comeback in Singapore on Nov. 4.