Melbourne, Sept 9 : After being linked to Olympic golden boy Michael Phelps, Stephanie Rice is reportedly being associated with her long-time training partner Brendan Capell - the 'mystery man' she was spotted with.

Rice, 20, stunned patrons at a trendy Sydney bar when she cuddled up on a couch for a heated pashing session with a man described only as 'well-built'.

However, now the mystery hunk has been revealed as Capell.

The pair has been close friends for 11 years after training together at Brisbane's St Peter's pool.

However, Rice refused to be drawn on her latest romance.

"I really don't want to talk about any of it. I'm on holidays and really want to take a break from all the media at the moment," the Daily Telegraph quoted Rice, as saying.

A rep for the pool princess also refused to confirm the new romance, saying only that Rice and Capell have been mates for years.

"(Capell) is a really nice guy but I would rather she comment on that. I really don't want to say anything. Brendan is a lovely guy and they have been mates for ages," he said.

ANI