Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe has failed to qualify for the 200m freestyle event at the London Olympics this summer.

There was hope that the 29-year-old would go head to head with USA favourite Michael Phelps in England's capital, but the five-time Olympic medal winner will not be competing in the event this year.

Thorpe couldn't make the top two in the semi-finals of the Olympic trials in Australia but he is still in contention for the 100m race, with the heats scheduled to start on Sunday.

Thorpe returned to the pool last February after four years away from the sport, but has only managed to reach one final since his comeback.