Popov likely to miss World championships

Russian Alexander Popov confirmed on Wednesday he is likely to miss the World swimming championships, but his training partner said he could make a late appearance.

Popov, who has tonsilitis and is currently recovering in a Moscow hospital, told the swimming federation FINA by phone that he became ill while attending the International Olympic Committee meeting which ended in Moscow on Monday.

"There is a chance of my condition worsening if I were to swim. I have to take antibiotics and stay in hospital for several more days," the 29-year-old Canberra-based swimmer said.

Australia's Michael Klim, Popov's training partner, confirmed that the Russian had phoned him to say he was "doubtful" for the world championships.

"I spoke to Alex a few days ago and he's obviously not well. It's unfortunate not to see him competing," Klim said on Wednesday.

However, Klim hinted that he thought Popov could make a late recovery in time for the main pool competition, which kicks off on Sunday.

"He's no stranger to suddenly coming out of illness. He said he was doubtful, but he may still come," said Klim.

The Russian swimming federation has not officially withdrawn Popov, who won gold medals in the 50 and 100 metres freestyle at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, but he will remain in hospital at least until Friday.

In Moscow, Popov was quoted as saying he consulted his coach Gennady Touretski about pulling out.

"I called my coach in Australia and he told me that no world championship is worth risking your health," he was quoted as saying by Sport-Express newspaper.

"Doctors in Moscow said that throat infection (if not treated properly) can lead to very serious consequences."

Dutch rival Pieter van den Hoogenband, who halted Popov's bid to repeat the double at last year's Sydney Olympics by winning gold in the 100 metres, said on Wednesday that he was saddened to hear about the Russian's illness.

"That's awful because it's always nice to race him. I respect him very much and we always have close races," he told reporters in Fukuoka.

Popov, who went on to finish a disappointing sixth in the 50 metres freestyle in Sydney, has returned to form this year, posting the world's fastest time of 22.91 seconds this year over one length.

However, Popov's withdrawal would raise questions about his future appearances at international competitions since he will be 32 at the time of the 2004 Athens Olympics