Former sports psychologist Deidre Anderson has been revealed as the woman who counselled Ian Thorpe as he grappled over a decision to retire.

Five-time Olympic gold medallist Thorpe, who announced he was quitting swimming, said he had worked closely with "someone incredible" over the past few weeks before determining his future lay outside the sport.

While Thorpe would not name his helper, News Limited newspapers confirmed it was Anderson.

Anderson confirmed to the newspaper her role in Thorpe's retirement, saying her involvement with the star swimmer was a "one-off".

"I came out of retirement to help him. I used to work in that field but I don't any more," she said.

She would not divulge details of her conversations with Thorpe saying: "This is all about Ian. It's his moment and really what I did pales into insignificance compared to what he had to go through."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP