Ian Thorpe AM

Ian Thorpe is Australia’s most decorated Olympian, one of the country’s most prolific sportsmen, and one of the greatest swimmers in history. He began swimming at age eight, became the youngest-ever world swimming champion at 15, and over his career broke 22 world records. Ian won three Olympic gold medals and two silver medals at his first Games, followed by two gold, one silver, and one bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympics, becoming Australia’s greatest Olympian.

Beyond the Olympics, Ian claimed 11 World Championship titles (the most ever), 10 Commonwealth Games gold medals, and nine Pan Pacific titles. In 2001 in Japan, he won the most gold medals ever at a single World Championships, setting world records in four of the six golds. Ian is the only swimmer in history to successfully defend both the 400m freestyle world and Olympic titles. Domestically, he won 21 national titles, including sweeping every freestyle event from 100m to 800m in a single championship — a feat not achieved since John Konrads 40 years prior.

Ian’s international recognition extends beyond sport. He has met former President Clinton, attended Giorgio Armani’s New York show, and appeared on popular TV programs including Charlie’s Angels, Jay Leno, and Friends. He has been the face of international events and has received numerous awards, including the IAAF American International Athlete Trophy (2001), the Australian Face Abroad Award (2002), Outstanding Male Athlete at the 24th Commonwealth Sports Awards (2003), and recognition as Sydney’s Greatest Ever Male Sports Star.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Ian has dedicated himself to philanthropy. He founded Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for Youth, supporting children in need, particularly Indigenous Australians, raising millions in funding and donations. In 2007, the Ian Thorpe Aquatic and Fitness Centre in Sydney was named in his honour. He has received multiple honorary Doctor of Letters degrees for his contributions to sport and philanthropy, and in 2012 was awarded the Human Rights Medal for his work with Indigenous youth.

Ian is also an inspiring motivational speaker. Drawing on his career in elite sport, he shares stories of personal drive, commitment, focus, and resilience, illustrating how the lessons learned in the pool translate to success in business and life. His professional approach, humility, and genuine commitment to helping others have earned him respect worldwide.