Background
Ian James Thorpe was born on October 13, 1982 in Sydney, Australia. He is a son of Ken Thorpe, cricketer, and Margaret Thorpe, an A-grade netball player. Ian has an elder sister Christina.
Ian Thorpe
Lucas Rd, Panania NSW 2213, Australia
East Hills Boys Technology High School which Ian Thorpe attended since 1995.
1997
Sydney, Australia
Ian Thorpe, 14-years-old, who made his mark at the Pan Pacific Championships, trains at the International Aquatic Centre at Homebush. Photo by Tim Claytom/Fairfax Media.
1998
Kuala Lumper, Malaysia
Ian Thorpe, 15-years-old, during the 200 metre butterfly at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumper, Malaysia. Photo by Nick Wilson/Allsport.
1998
Kuala Lumper, Malaysia
Ian Thorpe shows off his size 16 feet after victory in the 400 metre freestyle during the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo by Nick Wilson/Allsport.
1998
Kuala Lumper, Malaysia
Ian Thorpe at the start of the 200 metre freestyle during the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo by Nick Wilson/Allsport.
1998
Ian Thorpe. SHD photo by Jacky Ghossein/Fairfax Media.
1998
Perth, Australia
Ian Thorpe qualifies 2nd fastest for the 400 metre freestyle final at the 8th World Swimming Championships held in Perth. SMH photo by Steve Christo/Fairfax Media.
1999
Sydney, Australia
Ian Thorpe (left) looks on after setting a new world record time of 1 minute 45.7 seconds whilst winning the gold medal in the men's 200 metre freestyle final with compatriot Michael Klim who won the silver during the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships at the Aquatic Centre, Homebush, Sydney, Australia. Photo by Nick Wilson/Allsport.
1999
Sydney, Australia
Ian Thorpe acknowledges the crowd after setting a new world record time of 1 minute 45.7 seconds whilst winning the gold medal in the men's 200 metre freestyle final during the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships at the Aquatic Centre, Homebush, Sydney, Australia. Photo by Adam Pretty/Allsport.
1999
Sydney, Australia
Ian Thorpe celebrates setting a new world Record time of 1 minute 45.7 seconds whilst winning the gold medal in the men's 200 metre freestyle final during the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships at the Aquatic Centre, Homebush, Sydney, Australia. Photo by Adam Pretty/Allsport.
1999
Sydney, Australia
Ian Thorpe on left chats to the legendary Mark Spitz of the United States during day five of the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships at the Sydney Aquatic Centre, Homebush, Sydney, Australia. Photo by Nick Wilson/Allsport.
2000
Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
Pieter van den Hoogenband of the Netherlands wins gold (left) and Ian Thorpe takes silver in the men's 200 meter freestyle at the Sydney Aquatic Centre during the Sydney Olympic Games, Australia. Photo by Al Bello/Allsport.
2000
Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
Ian Thorpe competes for Australia in a freestyle swimming event at the Summer Olympics inside the Sydney International Aquatic Centre (Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre), Australia. Photo by Tommy Hindley/Professional Sport/Popperfoto.
2001
7-1 Okihamamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0031, Japan
Gold medalist Ian Thorpe and silver medalist Pieter van den Hoogenband of the Netherlands are seen after competing in the men's 100 m final during the World Swimming Championships at the Marine Messe in Fukuoka, Japan. Photo by The Asahi Shimbun.
2001
Fukuoka, Japan
Ian Thorpe swims with Grant Hackett in the background en route to his gold medal and new world record in a time of 7:39.16 in the men's 800 metre freestyle final at the Marine Messe Pool during the World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. Photo by Donald Miralle/Allsport.
2002
Manchester, United Kingdom
Ian Thorpe takes a break from the training pool at Manchester Aquatics Centre, a venue for the Commonwealth Games. Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images.
2002
Manchester, United Kingdom
Ian Thorpe takes a break from the training pool at Manchester Aquatics Centre, a venue for the Commonwealth Games. Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images.
2003
Passeig Olímpic, 5-7, 08038 Barcelona, Italy
Ian Thorpe celebrates winning the gold medal in the men's 200 metre freestyle final during the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships at Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona, Spain. Photo by Al Bello.
2004
Leoforos Kifisias 37, Marousi 151 23, Greece
Ian Thorpe celebrates his 400 meter freestyle gold medal victory during the Athens Olympics Games at the Olympic Aquatic Centre, Greece with a silver medalist Grant Hackett. Photo by Vladimir Rys/Bongarts.
2004
Leoforos Kifisias 37, Marousi 151 23, Greece
Ian Thorpe celebrates his 200 meter freestyle gold medal victory during the Athens Olympics Games at the Olympic Aquatic Centre, Greece. Photo by Allen Kee.
2004
Leoforos Kifisias 37, Marousi 151 23, Greece
Gold Medal winner Australia's Ian Thorpe, silver medal winner Pieter van den Hoogenband from Holland (centre) and bronze medal winner Michael Phelps (bottom) in action during the men's 200 meter freestyle final at the Olympic Aquatic Centre in Athens, Greece. Photo by Phil Noble - PA Images.
2004
Leoforos Kifisias 37, Marousi 151 23, Greece
Ian Thorpe glides threw the water on his way to a gold medal in the men's 400 meter freestyle with at Olympic Aquatic Centre. Photo by JERRY HOLT/Star Tribune.
2002
Manchester, United Kingdom
Ian Thorpe poses with the six gold medals and one silver medal he won during the Commonwealth Games, Manchester, United Kingdom. Photo by Stuart Hannagan.
1999
Sydney, Australia
Ian Thorpe proudly displays his gold medal after winning the men's 400 metres freestyle in a new World Record time of 3 minutes 41.83 seconds during the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships at the Aquatic Centre, Homebush, Sydney, Australia. Photo by Nick Wilson/Allsport.
2000
Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
Ian Thorpe celebrates his win in the men's 400 meter freestyle swimming event of the Summer Olympic Games at the Sydney International Aquatic Center (Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre), Australia. Photo by David Madison.
2000
Sydney, Australia
Pieter van den Hoogenband (left) of Denmark shows off the gold medal he won in the men's 200 meter freestyle final with silver medalist Ian Thorpe at the Olympic Games in Sydney. Photo by Franck Seguin/Corbis/VCG.
2002
Manchester, United Kingdom
Ian Thorpe poses with the six gold medals and one silver medal he won during the Commonwealth Games, Manchester, United Kingdom. Photo by Stuart Hannagan.
2003
Passeig Olímpic, 5-7, 08038 Barcelona, Italy
Ian Thorpe with his gold medal for the men's 200 metre freestyle during the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by Al Bello.
2004
Leoforos Kifisias 37, Marousi 151 23, Greece
Bronze medalist Ian Thorpe celebrate on the podium during the men's swimming 100 metre freestyle event during the Athens Summer Olympic Games at the Main Pool of the Olympic Aquatic Centre, Athens, Greece. Photo by Al Bello.
Ian Thorpe was named Member of the Order of Australia in 2019.
1997
Sydney, Australia
Ian Thorpe, 14-years-old, who made his mark at the Pan Pacific Championships, trains at the International Aquatic Centre at Homebush. Photo by Tim Claytom/Fairfax Media.
1998
Perth, Australia
Ian Thorpe (center) wins gold ahead of teammate, silver medal winner Grant Hackett (right) in the men's 400 metre freestyle final at the 8th World Swimming Championships held in Perth. by VINCE CALIGIURI Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Fairfax Media.
1998
Perth, Australia
Gold medal winner Ian Thorpe shakes hands with teammate Grant Hackett (left), who won silver, in the men's 400 metre freestyle final at the 8th World Swimming Championships held in Perth, Photo by Craig Golding/Fairfax Media.
1998
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ian Thorpe (center) takes gold with a new commonwealth record of 1:46:70 with Michael Klim (left) taking silver and Daniel Kowalski (right) taking bronze, all of Australia, in the men's 200 metre freestyle at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo by Mike Hewitt/Allsport.
1998
Kuala Lumper, Malaysia
Ian Thorpe, 15-years-old, during the 200 metre butterfly at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumper, Malaysia. Photo by Nick Wilson/Allsport.
1998
Kuala Lumper, Malaysia
Ian Thorpe shows off his size 16 feet after victory in the 400 metre freestyle during the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo by Nick Wilson/Allsport.
1998
Kuala Lumper, Malaysia
Ian Thorpe at the start of the 200 metre freestyle during the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo by Nick Wilson/Allsport.
1998
Ian Thorpe. SHD photo by Jacky Ghossein/Fairfax Media.
1998
(From left to right) Grant Hackett, Lisa Curry-Kenny and Ian Thorpe at the Ironman Competition. ILM Picture by Andy Zakeli/Fairfax Media.
1998
Perth, Australia
Ian Thorpe qualifies 2nd fastest for the 400 metre freestyle final at the 8th World Swimming Championships held in Perth. SMH photo by Steve Christo/Fairfax Media.
1999
Sydney, Australia
Ian Thorpe proudly displays his gold medal after winning the men's 400 metres freestyle in a new World Record time of 3 minutes 41.83 seconds during the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships at the Aquatic Centre, Homebush, Sydney, Australia. Photo by Nick Wilson/Allsport.
1999
Sydney, Australia
Ian Thorpe (left) looks on after setting a new world record time of 1 minute 45.7 seconds whilst winning the gold medal in the men's 200 metre freestyle final with compatriot Michael Klim who won the silver during the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships at the Aquatic Centre, Homebush, Sydney, Australia. Photo by Nick Wilson/Allsport.
1999
Sydney, Australia
Ian Thorpe acknowledges the crowd after setting a new world record time of 1 minute 45.7 seconds whilst winning the gold medal in the men's 200 metre freestyle final during the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships at the Aquatic Centre, Homebush, Sydney, Australia. Photo by Adam Pretty/Allsport.
1999
Sydney, Australia
Ian Thorpe celebrates setting a new world Record time of 1 minute 45.7 seconds whilst winning the gold medal in the men's 200 metre freestyle final during the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships at the Aquatic Centre, Homebush, Sydney, Australia. Photo by Adam Pretty/Allsport.
1999
Sydney, Australia
Ian Thorpe on left chats to the legendary Mark Spitz of the United States during day five of the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships at the Sydney Aquatic Centre, Homebush, Sydney, Australia. Photo by Nick Wilson/Allsport.
2000
Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
Ian Thorpe celebrates his win in the men's 400 meter freestyle swimming event of the Summer Olympic Games at the Sydney International Aquatic Center (Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre), Australia. Photo by David Madison.
2000
Sydney, Australia
Pieter van den Hoogenband (left) of Denmark shows off the gold medal he won in the men's 200 meter freestyle final with silver medalist Ian Thorpe at the Olympic Games in Sydney. Photo by Franck Seguin/Corbis/VCG.
2000
Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
(From left to right) Wiliam Kirby, Todd Pearson, Michael Klim and Ian Thorpe of Australia celebrate after winning gold and setting a new world record in the men's 4x200 m relay final held at the Sydney International Aquatic Centre (Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre) during the Sydney Olympics, Australia. Photo by Allsport UK.
2000
Ian Thorpe presents Australian singer Kylie Minogue with a plaque commerating Gold sales of her album during Olympic week. Photo by John Stanton/WireImage.
2000
Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
Pieter van den Hoogenband of the Netherlands wins gold (left) and Ian Thorpe takes silver in the men's 200 meter freestyle at the Sydney Aquatic Centre during the Sydney Olympic Games, Australia. Photo by Al Bello/Allsport.
2000
Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
Pieter van den Hoogenbrand (center) of the Netherlands wins gold, Ian Thorpe (left) takes silver and Massimiliano Rosolino of Italy takes bronze in the men's 200 meter freestyle at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre during the Sydney Olympic Games, Australia. Photo by Al Bello/Allsport.
2000
Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
Ian Thorpe competes for Australia in a freestyle swimming event at the Summer Olympics inside the Sydney International Aquatic Centre (Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre), Australia. Photo by Tommy Hindley/Professional Sport/Popperfoto.
2001
Fukuoka, Japan
Ian Thorpe poses with his six gold medals at a photo call at the Marine Messe Pool during the World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. Photo by Nick Wilson/Allsport.
2001
7-1 Okihamamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0031, Japan
Gold medalist Ian Thorpe and silver medalist Pieter van den Hoogenband of the Netherlands are seen after competing in the men's 100 m final during the World Swimming Championships at the Marine Messe in Fukuoka, Japan. Photo by The Asahi Shimbun.
2001
Fukuoka, Japan
Ian Thorpe swims with Grant Hackett in the background en route to his gold medal and new world record in a time of 7:39.16 in the men's 800 metre freestyle final at the Marine Messe Pool during the World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. Photo by Donald Miralle/Allsport.
2002
Manchester, United Kingdom
Ian Thorpe hands flowers to his mother, Margaret Thorpe, after winning the 100 metres freestyle events during the Swimming competition at the Manchester Commonwealth Games. Photo by Ray Kennedy/Fairfax Media.
2002
Yokohama, Japan
(From left to right) Nate Dusing of the United States (bronze), Ian Thorpe (gold), and Ashley Callus of Australia (silver) stand on the medal podium for the men's 100 metre freestyle final during the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships at the Yokohama Swimming Complex in Yokohama, Japan. Photo by Donald Miralle.
2002
Manchester, United Kingdom
Ian Thorpe poses with the six gold medals and one silver medal he won during the Commonwealth Games, Manchester, United Kingdom. Photo by Stuart Hannagan.
2002
Manchester, United Kingdom
Ian Thorpe poses with the six gold medals and one silver medal he won during the Commonwealth Games, Manchester, United Kingdom. Photo by Stuart Hannagan.
2002
Manchester, United Kingdom
Ian Thorpe takes a break from the training pool at Manchester Aquatics Centre, a venue for the Commonwealth Games. Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images.
2002
Manchester, United Kingdom
Ian Thorpe takes a break from the training pool at Manchester Aquatics Centre, a venue for the Commonwealth Games. Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images.
2003
Passeig Olímpic, 5-7, 08038 Barcelona, Italy
Ian Thorpe with his gold medal for the men's 200 metre freestyle during the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by Al Bello.
2003
Passeig Olímpic, 5-7, 08038 Barcelona, Italy
Ian Thorpe celebrates winning the gold medal in the men's 200 metre freestyle final during the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships at Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona, Spain. Photo by Al Bello.
2004
Leoforos Kifisias 37, Marousi 151 23, Greece
Ian Thorpe celebrates his 400 meter freestyle gold medal victory during the Athens Olympics Games at the Olympic Aquatic Centre, Greece with a silver medalist Grant Hackett. Photo by Vladimir Rys/Bongarts.
2004
Leoforos Kifisias 37, Marousi 151 23, Greece
Ian Thorpe celebrates his 200 meter freestyle gold medal victory during the Athens Olympics Games at the Olympic Aquatic Centre, Greece. Photo by Allen Kee.
2004
Leoforos Kifisias 37, Marousi 151 23, Greece
Ian Thorpe celebrates on the podium after winning the men's swimming 400 meter freestyle final during the Athens Summer Olympic Games at the Main Pool of the Olympic Aquatic Centre in Athens, Greece. Photo by Adam Pretty.
2004
Leoforos Kifisias 37, Marousi 151 23, Greece
Gold medalist Ian Thorpe (center), silver medalist Pieter van den Hoogenband of the Netherlands (left) and bronze medalist Michael Phelps of the United States pose with their medals after the medal ceremony for the men's swimming 200 freestyle event during the Athens Summer Olympic Games at the Main Pool of the Olympic Aquatic Centre, Greece. Photo by Nick Laham.
2004
Athens, Greece
The Australian men's 4 x 200 meter relay team of Grant Hackett, Michael Klim, Nick Sprenger and Ian Thorpe wait while the American team receive their gold medals during the medal ceremony at the Athens Olympics. Photo by Darren Pateman/Fairfax Media.
2004
Leoforos Kifisias 37, Marousi 151 23, Greece
Gold Medal winner Australia's Ian Thorpe, silver medal winner Pieter van den Hoogenband from Holland (centre) and bronze medal winner Michael Phelps (bottom) in action during the men's 200 meter freestyle final at the Olympic Aquatic Centre in Athens, Greece. Photo by Phil Noble - PA Images.
2004
Leoforos Kifisias 37, Marousi 151 23, Greece
Ian Thorpe glides threw the water on his way to a gold medal in the men's 400 meter freestyle with at Olympic Aquatic Centre. Photo by JERRY HOLT/Star Tribune.
2004
Leoforos Kifisias 37, Marousi 151 23, Greece
Bronze medalist Ian Thorpe celebrate on the podium during the men's swimming 100 metre freestyle event during the Athens Summer Olympic Games at the Main Pool of the Olympic Aquatic Centre, Athens, Greece. Photo by Al Bello.
2007
(From left to right) Ian Thorpe, Cathy Freeman and Jeff McMullen as the speakers at the Close the Gap launch.
2010
London E20 2AQ, United Kingdom
Ian Thorpe visits the London Aquatic Centre in east London, with Chair of the London 2012 Olympic Organising Committee Lord Coe. Photo by Ian Nicholson/PA Images.
2010
London E20 2AQ, United Kingdom
Ian Thorpe visits the London 2012 Aquatic Centre in east London, with Chair of the London 2012 Olympic Organising Committee Lord Coe. Photo by Ian Nicholson/PA.
2014
Balaclava Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2109, Australia
Ian Thorpe seen with Chancellor The Hon Michael Egan while receiving an honorary doctorate of Macquarie University.
2018
Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215, Australia
Gold medalist Mack Horton of Australia receives his medal from Ian Thorpe during the medal ceremony for the men's 400 metre freestyle final at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Australia. Photo by Michael Dodge.
2018
80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia
Ian Thorpe and Kyly Clarke pose during Melbourne Cup celebrations at The Star in Sydney, Australia. Photo by Mark Metcalfe.
2019
80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia
Dr Kerryn Phelps and Ian Thorpe pose during the Australian LGBTI Awards at The Star, Sydney, Australia. Photo by Brook Mitchell.
2019
33 Peel St, Kirribilli NSW 2061, Australia
Australian Olympic Swimming Gold Medallists (from left to right) Mack Horton, John Devitt, Dawn Fraser and Ian Thorpe pose during an Australian Olympic Committee function honoring the then Governor General of Australia Peter Cosgrove at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Sydney, Australia. Photo by Matt King.
2019
Milan, Italy
Ian Thorpe attends the Giorgio Armani fashion show during the Milan Men's Fashion Week Spring/Summer, Milan, Italy. Photo by Jacopo Raule.
2020
1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, United States
Ian Thorpe attends Gold Meets Golden 2020, presented by Coca-Cola, BMW Beverly Hills and FASHWIRE and hosted by Nicole Kidman and Nadia Comaneci at the Virginia Robinson Gardens and Estate, Beverly Hills, California. Photo by Phillip Faraone.
2020
Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
Ian Thorpe poses with uniformed 2000 Olympic volunteers during a ceremony to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Sydney Olympic Games, at Sydney Olympic Park, Australia. Photo by Mark Kolbe.
2020
Sydney, Australia
A member of the public poses with a wax figure of the Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Photo by Brook Mitchell.
Ian Thorpe with his parents, Margaret Thorpe (far left) and Ken Thorpe
Ian Thorpe at the wedding of his elder sister Christina
Lucas Rd, Panania NSW 2213, Australia
East Hills Boys Technology High School which Ian Thorpe attended since 1995.
Ian Thorpe was named Member of the Order of Australia in 2019.
Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
Plaque of Ian Thorpe outside Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
Ian Thorpe's hand prints at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
2004
80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia
Ian Thorpe and his sister Christina Williams attend the Charity Golf Day presentation for Ian Thorpe's Fountain of Youth foundation in the Ballroom, Star City Casino, Sydney, Australia. Photo by Patrick Riviere.
Ian Thorpe with his mother Margaret
Model Ryan Channing, Ian Thorpe's ex-boyfriend
Associate director Nick Hudson, Ian Thorpe's boyfriend
Doug Frost (front) one of Ian Thorpe's coaches in a company of coach Dene Roulstone (left) and young swimmers at the Ulladulla Leisure Centre.
Tracey Menzies coached Ian Thorpe from 2002 to 2006.
Australian swimmer Grant Hackett, Ian Thorpe's friend
(Thorpe's biography cowritten with Ian Heads.)
Thorpe's biography cowritten with Ian Heads.
https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Thorpe-Researched-Co-Ordinated-Heads/dp/0732910609/ref=sr_1_22?dchild=1&keywords=Ian+Thorpe&qid=1612861236&s=books&sr=1-22
2000
(Inhis first cookbook, Ian Thorpe shares the recipes that ...)
Inhis first cookbook, Ian Thorpe shares the recipes that keep him trim and healthy, as well as his philosophy on diet gathered from experts on nutrition and diet over all of his years of elite sporting success.
https://www.amazon.com/Ian-Thorpe-Cook-Your-Life-ebook/dp/B005J49UOE/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Ian+Thorpe&qid=1612861236&s=books&sr=1-5
2011
(Thorpe's autobiography follows him all the way from his c...)
Thorpe's autobiography follows him all the way from his childhood in Sydney right back up to the pinnacle of London 2012.
https://www.amazon.com/This-Me-Ian-Thorpe/dp/1471101231/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Ian+Thorpe&qid=1612861219&s=books&sr=1-1
2012
Ian James Thorpe was born on October 13, 1982 in Sydney, Australia. He is a son of Ken Thorpe, cricketer, and Margaret Thorpe, an A-grade netball player. Ian has an elder sister Christina.
Ian Thorpe spent his early years in the suburb of Milperra, Sydney. Raised into a family of sport amateurs, he did follow in his parents' sports footsteps but not in the sense of the sport (ball affiliated) they both practiced. Thorpe took up swimming at the age of five watching his elder sister Christina who attended swimming section to strengthen her broken wrist. Three years later, Thorpe began swimming competitively. The allergy to chlorine forced future legend of swimming to compete with his head above the water in his first race, in school. Nontheless, he finished first.
Ian overcame the allergy by the age of 11. Uncoordinated in other sports, he excelled in the pool and was soon named the captain of New South Wales for the Australian Primary Schools Championships in 1994. That same year, in autumn, the appointment was followed by nine gold medals in individual events at the New South Wales Short Course Age Championships.
In 1995, Ian Thorpe entered East Hills Boys Technology High School. He became the ward of Doug Frost who also trained his sister at the time. The debut at the Australian Age Swimming Championships provided the budding swimmer with bronze medals in the 200 m and 400 m freestyle. Thirteen-years-old, Thorpe came first in all ten events at the New South Wales Age Championships breaking 10 national age-group records in the process. The following year, he became the youngest swimmer to join the national men's team of Australia.
Thorpe was given an honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of Western Sydney in 2013 and by the Macquarie University a year later.
The start of Ian Thorpe's professional career as a swimmer can be counted from the middle 1990s. Aged only 14, the young, at the time, but extremely talented and successful swimmer made Australia's national team. He debuted on the international level at the 1997 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships held in Japan. Thorpe won a silver medal of the event in the 400 metre freestyle and set the record for his age group in that swimming stroke along the way.
Another important breakthrough for Thorpe occurred at the next year World Championships. He attracted again the attention of the sports community as he became the youngest world swimming champion with his world-record victory in the 400 metre freestyle. Thorpe turned immediately into a sports star in his homeland. Eighteen-years-old athlete qualified for the national Olympic team and was excpected as one of the favorites at the 2000 Games held right in Australia. The expectations were satisfied. Ian Thorpe took three gold medals, in 400 metre freestyle, 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay, 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay, and one silver medal, in 200 metre freestyle.
Thorpe pursued his ictory march the subsequent years. Such a bright debut at the Summer Olympics was followed by six world swimming titles and three world records, in the 200, 400, and 800 metre freestyle. Besides, the Australian Thorpedo contributed to the world record set in 4 × 200 metre freestyle by his national relay team. Gold medals in the 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay and the 4 × 100 metre medley relay were also added to the trophies brought home from that event. Following the 2001 World Championships, Australian team placed first in the overall standings, and Ian Thorpe was chosen as the best male performer.
Thorpe proved his status of an unmatched swimmer in the freestyle at the World Championships two years later, hosted by Spanish Barcelona. He earned three gold medals, one silver and one bronze. At the Summer Games in Athens, second for the swimmer, he added a couple of golds medals, in the 200 metre and 400 metre freestyle events, a silver in the 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay and a bronze in the 100 metre freestyle to his Olympic tally.
Ian Thorpe took a one-year hiatus from competitive swimming after the Olympics. He resumed training to prepare for the 2006 Commonwealth Games but had actually to withdraw from the competition because of bronchitis. That same year, on November 21, the twenty-six-years old athlete went public with the news that he decided to leave sport. It was a shock for the sports community. Thorpe planned to came back to the competitive swimming and take part in the 2012 Olympic Games in London but he didn't manage to qualify for the national team.
Post-retirment, Ian Thorpe has served as an ambassador for Armani and even has tried himself in fashion industry setting up his line of designer jewellery and underwear. Thorpe's activity linked directly to his athletic past was his service for the New York Olympic bid committee for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
The Australian Thorpedo has appeared on the screen as well, either as a talk show guest, while still competing as a swimmer. He starred in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 2001 and acted in Undercover Angels TV show a year later. He has also turned in an episode of the American sitcom Friends.
Ian Thorpe is one of the greatest swimmers in the history of the sport, both in Australia and worldwide. The youngest male athlete ever to represent Australia in swimming, he dominated in male freestyle events since his sensational victory in the 400 metres freestyle at the World Championships in 1998 till his pause from competitions in 2004.
Australian Thorpedo is the only male swimmer who won Olympic medals in the 100–200–400 freestyle combination as well as the only athlete to take six gold medals at a single World Championships. In addition to 13 world records set by him in individual long-course events, Thorpe has five relay world records, again in freestyle, to his credit. With 11 World Champion titles, he is the third among all swimmers in the world for the number of these trophies.
Voted the Young Australian of the Year in 2000, at the beginning of his athletic career, Thorpe was subsequently named the Swimming World Swimmer of the Year four times and the Australian Swimmer of the Year five times. He is Member of the Order of Australia.
Thorpe's popularity made him being one of the most sought after by different sponsors and trademarks. The Australian swimming legend has been spobsored by such industry giants as Adidas, Qantas, Telstra, and the Seven Network. Thorpe has been extremely popular in Japan, including among the seniors who appreciated his humility and work ethic. There is a fitness centre in Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia, named after the eminent Australian, Ian Thorpe Aquatic and Fitness Centre.
(Inhis first cookbook, Ian Thorpe shares the recipes that ...)
2011(Thorpe's autobiography follows him all the way from his c...)
2012(Thorpe's biography cowritten with Ian Heads.)
2000Ian Thorpe supported the 2017 Australian Marriage Law which supposed the legalisation of the same-sex marriage in Australia. Along with his then boyfriend, Thorpe starred in an advertising campaign in support of the Australian Marriage Law Survey.
Ian Thorpe was accused in 2007 by the French sports periodical L'Équipe for having ''abnormal levels' of two banned substances in a doping test' prior to the annouce of his retirment. The athlete denied the accusations and was supported in his "purity" by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority. The charge was closed. Thorpe himself was strongly against doping. He has roundly condemned any possible facts of using various stimulant drugs by his rivals.
Extremely popular in Japan, Ian Thorpe has served as an ambassador for the Australian Tourism Commission in that country. The resulted increase of the Japanese people visiting Australia have been often attributed to Thorpe's activity.
Extremely popular in Japan, Ian Thorpe has served as an ambassador for the Australian Tourism Commission in that country. The resulted increase of the Japanese people visiting Australia have been often attributed to Thorpe's activity.
In 2000, Thorpe established philanthropic organisation Fountain for Youth. The foundation supports financially the research into childhood illnesses and a school in Beijing for orphaned handicapped children. The organisation also collaborates with The Fred Hollows Foundation. Along with Cathy Freeman and Jeff McMullen, Thorpe was a speaker at the Close the Gap launch in 2007.
Quotations:
"For myself, losing is not coming second. It's getting out of the water knowing you could have done better. For myself, I have won every race I've been in."
"Remember to do the things you enjoy away from swimming, regularly."
"Compared to how I have raced before and how I have competed, the success that I have had, this does look like doom compared to it."
"Sometimes we question things that we have done in our lives but how many times do we question what we haven't done in someone else's."
"I'm more comfortable knowing that, chances are, I'm going to fail at this. I've become comfortable with that."
"I think it's better to attempt something and fail than it is to not even attempt it, so I'm glad that I've been prepared to put myself on the line there."
"I'm comfortable saying I'm a gay man. And I don't want people to feel the same way I did. You can grow up, you can be comfortable and you can be gay. I am telling the world that I am gay… and I hope this makes it easier for others now, and even if you've held it in for years, it feels easier to get it out."
"The fairytale has turned into a nightmare."
Ian Thorpe's work ethic, psychological resilience, his natural propensity for swimming and original swimming technique (six-beat kick to leave the competitors ahead) have been often cited by many as the core elements of his victories.
Thorpe's hobby off the pool is cooking. In 2011, he published a cookbook titled "Ian Thorpe: Cook for Your Life" where he shared the recipes that keep him trim and healthy, as well as his philosophy on diet gathered from experts on nutrition and diet over all of his years of elite sporting success.
A fashion lover, Ian Thrope names New York City, a global fashion capital, as his favorite city and calls it "a second home."
Physical Characteristics:
Ian Thorpe was quite big as a baby, weighing 4.1 kg and measuring 59 cm. He reached 1.96 meters by adulthood. He was subsequently dubbed Thorpedo aided by his height and unusually large feet, which often were compared by some with flippers.
In childhood, Thorpe had an allergy to chlorine. Later in his life, he also had an appendix surgery, broke hand and injured shoulder. In 2014, Thorpe was diagnosed with depression. He took a rehabilitation course. The athlete later affirmed that he had suicidal thoughts.
Quotes from others about the person
Don Talbot, Australian swimming coach: "The greatest swimmer the world has seen."
John Howard, ex Prime Minister of Australia: "His achievements will be remembered by millions of Australians. There have been so many great performances that they do all tend to merge into a recollection of a remarkable athlete, a great swimmer and a good bloke."
Dawn Fraser, former Australian freestyle swimmer and politician: "He rates as the greatest swimmer in the world as far as freestyle swimming is concerned. I was hoping he may have gone on to Beijing to do the three events in a row and I guess in a way I'm sad. But that's selfish of me because he's made that decision for himself, he doesn't want to put himself under any more pressure, and I say thank you very much for what you've done."
John Coates, former President of the Australian Olympic Committee: "Ian is our most successful Olympian ever and I thank him very much for his contribution. He has been a great champion, a great inspiration for young Australians and a fine ambassador for his country."
Grant Hackett, Australian swimmer: "He was able to really bring the sport of swimming into the limelight with incredible performances."
Shane Gould, former Australian swimmer: "He was an inspirational performer and just so theatrical and just a glory to watch in his black suit and his rippling muscles and his focused attention."
Michael Phelps, American former swimmer: "Thorpe was an inspiration and a terrific champion. He elevated the worldwide interest in swimming and was a great ambassador to our sport."
Bob Bowman, swimming coach of Michael Phelps: "Thorpe was the greatest middle-distance swimmer of all time and he's the greatest relay swimmer I have ever seen. He will be remembered for his outstanding ability to raise the profile of the sport of swimming and popularize it to new levels."
Ian Thorpe went public with his homosexual orientation in summer of 2014, while being interviewed by a British talk show host Michael Parkinson. From 2016 to 2019, he had on-again and off-again romantic relationships with a model Ryan Channing.
Later, Thorpe started dating Nick Hudson, who has served as an associate director of infrastructure and projects at one of the big four accounting firms. Thorpe maintained good relations with his ex-boyfriend.
Ken Thorpe competed for Bankstown District Cricket Club in Sydney's district competition in his youth. He left the sport because of the father's discontent with his athletic hobby.
(born 1989)
(born November 11, 1943)
An Honor of Life Member of the Australian Swim Coaches Association and of the Padstow Swim Club, New South Wales, Doug Frost coached Thorpe from 1995 to 2002.
Tracey Menzies was Ian Thorpe's swimming coach from 2002 till the latter's retirement from competitive sport.
(born May 9, 1980)
Hackett is best known for taking gold medals in the men's 1500 metres freestyle race at two cosecutive Summer Olympic Games, the 2000 Olympiad in Sydney and the 2004 Olympiad in Athens.
