Injury scare for Australia's Sullivan

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The Olympic preparations of Australia's 50 meters freestyle world record holder Eamon Sullivan have hit a snag after he popped a rib at a warm-up meet in Sydney.

Sullivan injured himself when he dived into the pool before a grand prix meet on Friday night and completed the race at a leisurely pace.

He told reporters on Saturday the injury would not stop him competing at Beijing next month but he would have to reduce his training.

"I am not going to hold back because it is once every four years you get to do this," he said.

"I am going to be doing as much as I can within reason to make sure I am swimming as fast as possible.

"I have been through worse problems leading into main competitions and still done PBs (personal bests), so there is no worry on my part at all."

Sullivan has been plagued by back injuries during his career but hoped his problems were behind them as he discovered his best form, claiming the 50 world record and posting the second fastest time for the 100.

"It wouldn't be a preparation for me if I didn't have problems so it has come at the right time -- it is usually a month out that something goes wrong," he said.

"I think this is my third time now so it has all become pretty routine."

Sullivan's coach Grant Stoelwinder said the sprinter would have to ease back on his training to ensure he doesn't aggravate the problem.

"He can still swim with a snorkel on it is fine... it is not keeping him out of the water," he said.

"He is not being (able) to practice the dives... I'd say give it a week's rest."

(Reporting by Julian Linden. Editing by Martin Petty)