THE SIDELINES : Sieben Returns to Swimming

Swimmer Jon Sieben of Australia, who broke the Olympic and world records for the 200-meter butterfly at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, announced his return to the sport less than 12 months after retiring.

Sieben, 22, said his aim was to win the gold medal in the 200-meter butterfly at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

Sieben upset favorite Michael Gross of West Germany in setting world and Olympic records and winning the gold medal in 1984. Gross has since broken Sieben’s record.

“While my world record was broken by Gross in 1986, I firmly believe that I will have both the physical fitness and mental determination to win it back in 1992,” said Sieben, who is studying for a law degree. Sieben said his first major goal will be to make the Australian team for the 1991 world championships in Perth, Australia.