Thorpe has a viral illness

He has been joined on the sidelines by sprinter Jodie Henry who withdrew on Tuesday citing a fear of flying to the US during the Iraq war.

Thorpe said he was not prepare to risk his fitness in the made-for-television contest on Sunday.

"I felt with the advice that I've had that it wasn't wise for me to put my body or my health at risk," the 20-year-old said on Friday.

"I won't attribute me not swimming personal bests to my illness. People get sick. You have to be able to deal with it.

"I hope that no matter what conditions I've had, when it comes to major competitions, that I'll be able to perform at my best."

Thorpe won the 100, 200 and 400 metres freestyle and 200m medley titles at the Australian championships in Sydney.

Thorpe breaks medley record

But, although he broke the medley record, Thorpe expressed his frustration at failing to get close to his own world record times in the 200 and 400.

Thorpe was forced to adjust his training schedule after returning from World Cup meets in Europe and missed a week of training.

An Australian team spokesman said 19-year-old Henry's withdrawal from the team to travel to America was only made clear when she failed to arrive at the airport.

"She (Henry) has shown a genuine fear of flying to the USA in the current climate," the spokesman said.

"There were long, convoluted discussions and meetings last night with her parents in the team camp ... Still this morning we were hopeful she would come to the airport but it didn't happen."