Ian Thorpe

Biography

Ian "The Thorpedo" Thorpe was the face of Australian swimming, a gentle giant with size 17 feet who turned the 400 freestyle into his personal property. From 1998 to 2004, he went undefeated in the event, a streak of dominance almost unheard of in swimming. His five Olympic golds and eleven world championship titles made him Australia's most successful Olympian. He retired at 24, still near his peak, and a brief comeback in his late twenties couldn't recapture the magic. But for those six golden years, the Thorpedo was simply unbeatable, gliding through the water with an elegance that made the impossible look easy.

Career Highlights

• 5 Olympic gold medals
• 11 world championship golds
• 13 individual world records
• Won 400m free 8 years undefeated
• Retired at 24, came back at 28

Learn More