Ian Thorpe

Ian Thorpe, born on October 13, 1982, in Sydney, Australia, is widely considered one of the greatest swimmers in history. He began his professional career before he turned 15 and started breaking records soon after, establishing himself as a dominant force in the pool. Thorpe is known for his powerful swimming style, exceptional speed, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards, including multiple World Swimmer of the Year titles, and holds several records, such as the most World Championship golds won by an Australian.

Off the field, Thorpe is also recognized for his work in philanthropy and mental health advocacy, committing to various charitable causes and inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Thorpe began swimming competitively at a young age. He first gained international attention when he became the youngest male to represent Australia, and he won his first World Championship gold at only 15.

International Success

• Thorpe continued his success on the international stage, winning three gold medals in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He again dominated in the 2001 World Championships, breaking multiple world records and earning four golds.

2004 Athens Olympics

• At the Athens Olympics, Thorpe added another two gold medals to his collection, defending his 400m freestyle title and winning the 200m freestyle, dubbed the 'Race of the Century'.

Retirement and Comeback

• Thorpe announced his retirement in 2006 but attempted a comeback for the 2012 London Olympics. Despite not qualifying, his efforts were widely praised.

Australian National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for Australia in 1997.

Achievements:

• Olympic Games: 5 golds, 3 silvers, and 1 bronze.
• World Championships: 11 golds, 1 silver, and 1 bronze.
• Commonwealth Games: 10 golds, 1 silver, and 1 bronze.
• Thorpe is Australia's most successful Olympian and holds the most World Championship golds by an Australian.

• Style: Thorpe is known for his distinctive 'Thorpedo' style, incorporating a six-beat kick and a long glide at the end of each stroke.
• Skills: Known for his speed, power, and versatility, Thorpe excelled in freestyle events, particularly the 200m and 400m.

• Philanthropy: Thorpe established the Ian Thorpe's Fountain for Youth in 2000, a charity focusing on improving health and education outcomes for Indigenous children in Australia.
• Mental Health: Thorpe has spoken publicly about his struggles with depression, becoming a powerful advocate for mental health awareness.

• Ian Thorpe is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his commitment to philanthropy and advocacy for mental health. His impact on the sport and his status as a role model extend beyond the pool, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

World Swimmer of the Year:

• Four times

Young Australian of the Year:

• 2000

Most Gold Medals in World Championships by an Australian:

• 11 gold medals

Most Successful Australian Olympian:

• 5 gold medals

Books

• Thorpe, I. (2004). This is Me: Ian Thorpe. Sydney: Macmillan Australia.
• Thorpe, I. (2012). Ian Thorpe: The Biography. Sydney: Simon & Schuster Australia.

Websites

• Swimming Australia: Information about Ian Thorpe’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.swimming.org.au
• Olympics: Details about Thorpe’s Olympic career. Available at: https://www.olympics.com.au

Articles

• BBC Sport: Ian Thorpe: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/swimming/18801790
• The Guardian: Ian Thorpe’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/ian-thorpe

Interviews and Documentaries

• Ian Thorpe: The Swimmer (2012): Directed by Gregor Jordan. This documentary provides a detailed look at Thorpe’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.