View source for Ian Thorpe

{{short description|Australian swimmer (born 1982)}}
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox swimmer
| name           = Ian Thorpe<br />{{postnominals|country=AUS|AM}}
| image          = Ian Thorpe 2012.jpg
| caption        = Thorpe at [[Doha GOALS]] Forum 2012
| alt            = Young man with short blonde-brown hair wearing a dark open necked shirt and zip-up jacket, not cleanly shaven, smiling broadly. The background is labelled with the word 'Brasserie'.
| fullname       = Ian James Thorpe
| nicknames      = {{hlist|"Thorpedo"|"Thorpey"}}
| national_team  = {{Flagu|Australia}}
| strokes        = [[Freestyle swimming|Freestyle]]
| club           = SLC Aquadot
| coach          = {{ubl|[[Doug Frost (swimming coach)|Doug Frost]] (1995–2002)|[[Tracey Menzies]] (2002–2006)}}
| collegeteam    =
| birth_date     = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1982|10|13}}
| birth_place    = Sydney, Australia
| death_date     =
| death_place    =
| height         = {{convert|1.96|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| weight         = {{convert|104|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| medaltemplates =
{{MedalSport | Men's swimming}}
{{MedalCountry |{{AUS}}}}
{{MedalCount
|[[Swimming at the Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]]|5|3|1
|[[FINA World Aquatics Championships|World Championships (LC)]]|11|1|1
|[[FINA World Swimming Championships (25&nbsp;m)|World Championships (SC)]]|2|1|0
|[[Pan Pacific Swimming Championships|Pan Pacific Championships]]|9|3|0
|[[Swimming at the Commonwealth Games|Commonwealth Games]]|10|1|0
|'''Total'''|'''37'''|'''9'''|'''2'''
}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Swimming at the Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]]}}
[[File:Olympic rings.svg|center|80px]]
{{MedalGold | {{GamesName|SOG|2000|Swimming}} | [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalGold | {{GamesName|SOG|2000|nolink=1}} | [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4×100 m free]]}}
{{MedalGold | {{GamesName|SOG|2000|nolink=1}} | [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m free]]}}
{{MedalGold | {{GamesName|SOG|2004|Swimming}} | [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalGold | {{GamesName|SOG|2004|nolink=1}} | [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalSilver | {{GamesName|SOG|2000|nolink=1}} | [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalSilver | {{GamesName|SOG|2000|nolink=1}} | [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 100 metre medley relay|4×100 m medley]]}}
{{MedalSilver | {{GamesName|SOG|2004|nolink=1}} | [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m free]]}}
{{MedalBronze | {{GamesName|SOG|2004|nolink=1}} | [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[FINA World Aquatics Championships|World Championships (LC)]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 1998 World Aquatics Championships|1998 Perth]] | [[Swimming at the 1998 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalGold | 1998 Perth | [[Swimming at the 1998 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m free]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships|2001 Fukuoka]] | [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalGold | 2001 Fukuoka | [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalGold | 2001 Fukuoka | [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 800 metre freestyle|800 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalGold | 2001 Fukuoka | [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4×100 m free]]}}
{{MedalGold | 2001 Fukuoka | [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m free]]}}
{{MedalGold | 2001 Fukuoka | [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre medley relay|4×100 m medley]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships|2003 Barcelona]] | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalGold | 2003 Barcelona | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalGold | 2003 Barcelona | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m free]]}}
{{MedalSilver | 2003 Barcelona | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 200 metre individual medley|200 m medley]]}}
{{MedalBronze | 2003 Barcelona | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[FINA World Swimming Championships (25&nbsp;m)|World Championships (SC)]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[1999 FINA World Swimming Championships (25&nbsp;m)|1999 Hong Kong]] | 200&nbsp;m freestyle}}
{{MedalGold | 1999 Hong Kong | 4×100 m free}}
{{MedalSilver | 1999 Hong Kong | 400&nbsp;m freestyle}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Pan Pacific Swimming Championships|Pan Pacific Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships|1999 Sydney]] | [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalGold | 1999 Sydney | [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalGold | 1999 Sydney | [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4×100 m free]]}}
{{MedalGold | 1999 Sydney | [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m free]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships|2002 Yokohama]] | [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalGold | 2002 Yokohama | [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalGold | 2002 Yokohama | [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalGold | 2002 Yokohama | [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4×100 m free]]}}
{{MedalGold | 2002 Yokohama | [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m free]]}}
{{MedalSilver | [[1997 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships|1997 Fukuoka]] | [[1997 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalSilver | 1997 Fukuoka | [[1997 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m free]]}}
{{MedalSilver | 2002 Yokohama | [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre medley relay|4×100 m medley]]}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Swimming at the Commonwealth Games|Commonwealth Games]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 1998 Commonwealth Games|1998 Kuala Lumpur]] | 200&nbsp;m freestyle}}
{{MedalGold | 1998 Kuala Lumpur | 400&nbsp;m freestyle}}
{{MedalGold | 1998 Kuala Lumpur | 4×100 m free}}
{{MedalGold | 1998 Kuala Lumpur | 4×200 m free}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2002 Commonwealth Games|2002 Manchester]] | 100&nbsp;m freestyle}}
{{MedalGold | 2002 Manchester | 200&nbsp;m freestyle}}
{{MedalGold | 2002 Manchester | [[Swimming at the 2002 Commonwealth Games – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]]}}
{{MedalGold | 2002 Manchester | 4×100 m free}}
{{MedalGold | 2002 Manchester | 4×200 m free}}
{{MedalGold | 2002 Manchester | 4×100 m medley}}
{{MedalSilver | 2002 Manchester | 100&nbsp;m backstroke}}
}}

'''Ian James Thorpe''' {{postnominals|country=AUS|size=100%|AM}} (born 13 October 1982) is an Australian retired<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/ill-never-swim-again-says-ian-thorpe/news-story/482b45ca1ffbaa8c82ae3059312064c0|title=I'll never swim again, says Ian Thorpe|work=The Australian|date=19 March 2016}}</ref> swimmer who specialised in [[freestyle swimming|freestyle]], but also competed in [[backstroke]] and the [[medley swimming|individual medley]]. He has won five Olympic gold medals, the second most won by any Australian after fellow swimmer [[Emma McKeon]]. With three gold and two silver medals, Thorpe was the most successful athlete at the [[2000 Summer Olympics]], held in his hometown of [[Sydney]].

At the age of 14, Thorpe became the youngest male ever to represent Australia,<ref name="Hunter">{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=75}}</ref> and his victory in the [[Swimming at the 1998 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400&nbsp;metre freestyle]] at the [[1998 World Aquatics Championships|1998 Perth World Championships]] made him the youngest-ever individual male World Champion.<ref name="andrews">{{harv|Andrews|2000|pages=434–436, 487}}</ref> After that victory, Thorpe dominated the 400&nbsp;m freestyle, winning the event at every Olympic, World, [[Commonwealth Games|Commonwealth]] and [[Pan Pacific Swimming Championships]] until his break after the [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Olympics]] in Athens.<ref name="abc career">{{cite news|title=Ian Thorpe – Career at a glance|url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/columns/200611/s1793724.htm?swimming|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|date=21 November 2006|access-date=22 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920060154/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/columns/200611/s1793724.htm?swimming|archive-date=20 September 2008 }}</ref> At the [[2001 World Aquatics Championships]], he became the first person to win six gold medals in one World Championship.<ref name="Hunter, pp. 274–275">{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=274–275}}</ref> Aside from 13 individual long-course world records, Thorpe anchored the Australian relay teams, numbering the victories in the [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m]] and the [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;200&nbsp;m freestyle relays]] in Sydney among his five relay world records. His wins in the [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200&nbsp;m]] and [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400&nbsp;m]] and his bronze in the [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100&nbsp;m freestyle]] at the 2004 Summer Olympics made him the only male to have won medals in the 100–200–400 combination.<ref name="abc career" /> He acquired the nickname "Thorpedo" because of his speed in swimming. Thorpe announced his retirement from competitive swimming in November 2006, citing waning motivation;<ref name="abc retire">{{cite news|title=Thorpe announces retirement|url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200611/s1793622.htm|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|date=24 November 2006|access-date=29 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070316173855/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200611/s1793622.htm|archive-date=16 March 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> he made a brief comeback in 2011 and 2012.

In total, Thorpe has won eleven World Championship gold medals; this is the [[List of World Aquatics Championships medalists in swimming (men)#Multiple medalists|fifth-highest number]] of gold medals won by any male swimmer.<ref name="gsiprofile">{{cite web|title=Ian Thorpe|url=http://www.grandslamint.com/PlayerProfile/PlayerProfile.aspx?p=3&id=7|publisher=Grand Slam International|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819171428/http://www.grandslamint.com/PlayerProfile/PlayerProfile.aspx?p=3&id=7|archive-date=19 August 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thorpe was the first person to have been named [[List of Swimming World Swimmers of the Year|''Swimming World'' Swimmer of the Year]] four times,<ref name="hunterviii">{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=viii}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Swimming World's – World Swimmers of the Year|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/SwimmersOfTheYear.asp|work=[[Swimming World]]|access-date=29 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061118171304/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/SwimmersOfTheYear.asp|archive-date=18 November 2006|url-status=live}}</ref> and was the [[Swimming Australia#Australian Swimmers of the Year|Australian Swimmer of the Year]] from 1999 to 2003. His athletic achievements made him one of Australia's most popular athletes, and he was recognised as the [[List of Young Australian of the Year Award recipients|Young Australian of the Year]] in 2000.<ref name="YAOTY">{{cite web|title=Young Australian of the Year 2000|url=https://www.australianoftheyear.org.au/recipients/ian-thorpe/143/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806012645/https://australianoftheyear.org.au/recipients/ian-thorpe/143/|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 August 2020|publisher=[[National Australia Day Council]]|access-date=6 February 2022}}</ref>

==Early years==
Born in Sydney, Thorpe grew up in the suburb of [[Milperra, New South Wales|Milperra]] and hailed from a sporting family.<ref name="dyk">{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Gleeson|title=Did you know?|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/did-you-know/2006/11/21/1163871405651.html|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=22 November 2006|access-date=22 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025060632/http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/did-you-know/2006/11/21/1163871405651.html|archive-date=25 October 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> His father Ken was a promising [[cricket]]er at junior level, representing [[Bankstown District Cricket Club]] in [[Sydney Grade Cricket|Sydney's district competition]].<ref name="dyk"/><ref name="smh early">{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Cowley|title=A career that sets the gold standard|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/a-career-that-sets-the-gold-standard/2006/11/21/1163871405639.html|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=22 November 2006|access-date=22 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023080417/http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/a-career-that-sets-the-gold-standard/2006/11/21/1163871405639.html|archive-date=23 October 2007|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=s17>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=17}}</ref> A talented batsman, he once topped the season's [[Batting average (cricket)|batting averages]] ahead of former [[List of Australia national cricket captains|Australian captain]] [[Bob Simpson (cricketer)|Bob Simpson]]. However, paternal pressure detracted from Ken's enjoyment of cricket, and he retired at the age of 26.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=4–5}}</ref> Thorpe's mother Margaret played A-grade [[netball]],<ref name="smh early"/><ref name="hunter1-6">{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=1–6}}</ref> but he did not inherit his parents' ball skills.<ref name=s17/> His elder sister Christina was advised to take up swimming to strengthen a broken wrist, so by chance, the five-year-old Thorpe followed her into the pool.<ref name="smh early"/><ref name=s17/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=19, 102}}</ref> Due to his unhappy experiences, Ken Thorpe regarded enjoyment as the most critical aspect of his children's participation in sport.<ref name="hunter1-6" /> A large baby, Thorpe weighed {{convert|4.1|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and measured {{convert|59|cm|ftin|abbr=on}} in length at birth.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=9}}</ref>

As a young child, Thorpe was sidelined by an [[allergy]] to [[chlorine]].<ref name="andrews"/> As a result, he did not swim in his first race until a school carnival at the age of seven.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=20}}</ref> The allergy forced Thorpe to swim with his head out of the water; despite this ungainly technique, he won the race, primarily because of his significant size advantage.<ref name="dyk"/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=19–22}}</ref><ref name=s18>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=18}}</ref> Thorpe gradually overcame the ailment and progressed to the captaincy of New South Wales for the Australian Primary Schools Championships in 1994.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=36}}</ref> He subsequently won nine individual gold medals at the New South Wales Short Course Age Championships in September of the same year.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=36–39}}</ref> In 1995, Thorpe started his secondary education at [[East Hills Boys Technology High School]]<ref name="dyk"/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=44}}</ref> and switched coaches to swim alongside his sister under the tutelage of [[Doug Frost (swimming coach)|Doug Frost]].<ref name=s18/> It was a busy year for the family; Christina was selected for the Australian team to compete at the [[1995 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships]] in Atlanta.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=48}}</ref> Now six feet tall, Ian competed at his first Australian Age Championships, winning bronze medals in the 200&nbsp;m and 400&nbsp;m freestyle. He won all ten events at the New South Wales Age Championships.<ref name="andrews"/><ref>{{harv|Talbot|Heads|Berry|2003|pages=302, 224–225}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=46-49}}</ref>

===National competition===
Thorpe competed at the 1996 Australian Age Championships in Brisbane, winning five gold, two silver and two bronze medals.<ref name="abc career"/> His times in the 400&nbsp;m freestyle and 200&nbsp;m [[backstroke]] qualified him for the Australian Championships,<ref name=h96/> which doubled as selection trials for the [[1996 Summer Olympics|1996 Atlanta Olympics]]. Frost knew that Thorpe had no realistic chance of making the top two in any event, which would have meant Olympic selection at only 13 years and six months. He sent Thorpe to Sydney merely to gain competition experience at senior national level.<ref name=h96/> As expected, Thorpe missed selection; he finished 23rd in the 400&nbsp;m freestyle and 36th in the 200&nbsp;m backstroke.<ref name="h96">{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=65–70}}</ref> At the end of the year, Thorpe qualified for the Australian Short Course Championships. It was another chance to gain national selection, as the event served as the selection trials for the [[1997 FINA World Swimming Championships (25 m)|1997 FINA World Swimming Championships]]. Thorpe qualified in second place in the heats of the 400&nbsp;m individual medley and reached his first national final.<ref name=h97/> However, he swam more slowly in the final and missed selection.<ref name="h97"/>

At the New South Wales Championships in January 1997, Thorpe's time of 3&nbsp;min 59.43&nbsp;s in the 400&nbsp;m was eight seconds faster than his previous personal best;<ref name=h97/> it made him the first 14-year-old to cover the distance in less than four minutes on Australian soil. Ranked fourth for the event countrywide,<ref name="h97">{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=72–73}}</ref> Thorpe went into the Australian Championships in [[Adelaide]] as a serious contender for selection in the national team for the [[1997 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships]] in [[Fukuoka]], Japan. With a top-three finish and a specific qualifying time required for selection, Thorpe focused on the 400&nbsp;m freestyle after injuries to world record holder [[Kieren Perkins]] and [[Daniel Kowalski]]; both had won Olympic medals in the event. Thorpe went on to win bronze behind 16-year-old Queenslander [[Grant Hackett]], setting a new personal best of 3&nbsp;min 53.44&nbsp;s.<ref name=h97p/> The time was a world record for his age group and the race was the first of many battles with Hackett.<ref name="h97p"/>

Aged 14 years and 5 months, Thorpe became the 463rd<ref>{{cite web|title=Australian Swimmer Numbers|url=http://www.swimming.org.au/swimmer-nos.html|publisher=[[Swimming Australia]]|access-date=14 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206124840/http://www.swimming.org.au/swimmer-nos.html|archive-date=6 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> and youngest ever male to be selected for the Australian team,<ref name="andrews"/><ref name=s18/> surpassing [[John Konrads]]' record by one month.<ref name="ABC profile">{{cite news|title=Ian Thorpe: On course to sink Athens opposition|url=http://abc.net.au/olympics/2004/profiles/ianthorpe.htm|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|year=2004|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604000134/http://www.abc.net.au/olympics/2004/profiles/ianthorpe.htm|archive-date=4 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Frost said that Thorpe's selection catalysed his eventual focus on freestyle. Thorpe continued his good form at the Australian Age Championships. He contested all twelve events, winning ten individual gold and two bronze medals.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=75–76}}</ref> He set six Australian records in the process.<ref name="smh early"/><ref name="h97p">{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=73–76}}</ref>

==Early international career (1997–1998)==
===International debut (1997)===
{{MedalTableTop|name=no|header=[[1997 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships|1997 Pan Pacific Championships]]}}
{{MedalSilver | [[1997 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]] | 3:49.64}}
{{MedalSilver | [[1997 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m freestyle]] | 7:15.72}}
{{MedalBottom}}
In June 1997, two months before the [[1997 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships|Pan Pacific Championships]], Thorpe required an [[vermiform appendix|appendix]] operation, which caused him to miss two weeks of training.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=83}}</ref> Upon reaching Japan, Thorpe placed fourth in his heat of the [[1997 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200&nbsp;m freestyle]] with a new personal best time of 1&nbsp;min 51.46&nbsp;s.<ref name=h87>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=87}}</ref> Thorpe's time was not enough to qualify for the final, but earned him selection in the [[1997 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;200&nbsp;m freestyle relay]] team. Along with teammates [[Michael Klim]], [[Ian van der Wal]] and Hackett, Thorpe claimed silver, making him the youngest ever Pan Pacific medalist.<ref name=h87/> In his first individual final at international level, Thorpe was fifth at the 300&nbsp;m mark, but fought back to claim silver in the [[1997 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400&nbsp;m freestyle]] behind Hackett in a time of 3&nbsp;min 49.64&nbsp;s.<ref name="andrews"/><ref name="andrews h">{{harv|Andrews|2000|pages=191–192}}</ref><ref name=s19>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=19}}</ref><ref name=h88>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=88}}</ref> His finishing burst was to become a trademark, and his time would have been enough to win silver at the [[Swimming at the 1996 Summer Olympics – Men's 400 metre freestyle|Atlanta Olympics]].<ref name="Hunter"/><ref name="smh early"/> In October 1997, a few days before his fifteenth birthday, Thorpe competed in qualifying trials in Brisbane for the [[1998 World Aquatics Championships]] in [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]]. Thorpe gained selection for the world championships by finishing fourth and second in the 200&nbsp;m and 400&nbsp;m freestyle respectively. He set new personal bests in both events.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=91-92}}</ref>

===1998 World Aquatics Championships===
{{MedalTableTop|name=no|header=[[Swimming at the 1998 World Aquatics Championships|1998 World Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 1998 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]] | 3:46.29}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 1998 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m freestyle]] | 7:12.45}}
{{MedalBottom}}
Thorpe's first international appearance in his home country, at the [[1998 World Aquatics Championships|1998 World Championships]] in Perth, began with the [[Swimming at the 1998 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;200&nbsp;m freestyle relay]]. Swimming the third leg after Klim and Hackett, Thorpe broke away from [[Swimming at the 1996 Summer Olympics – Men's 200 metre butterfly|200&nbsp;m butterfly Olympic champion]] [[Tom Malchow]] to set a split time of 1&nbsp;min 47.67&nbsp;s, just 0.26 seconds slower than Klim's winning time in the [[Swimming at the 1998 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200&nbsp;m final]].<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=98}}</ref> By the end of Thorpe's leg, the Australians were two seconds ahead of the world record pace, and three seconds ahead of the Americans, having extended the lead by two body lengths. Although anchorman Kowalski finished outside the world record,<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=98-99}}</ref> it was the first time that Australia had won the event at the global level since [[Swimming at the 1956 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|1956]].<ref name="abc career"/> Thorpe was ranked fourth in the world before the [[Swimming at the 1998 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400&nbsp;m final]], which Hackett led from the outset. Hackett established a comfortable 2.29&nbsp;s lead over Thorpe by the 300&nbsp;m mark, and although Thorpe reduced the margin to 1.53&nbsp;s at the 350&nbsp;m mark, Hackett led until Thorpe passed him on the final stroke.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=100-101}}</ref> Thorpe's time was the fourth fastest in history and made him the youngest ever male individual world champion, aged 15 years and 3 months.<ref name="andrews"/><ref name="andrews h"/><ref name=s19/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=96-102}}</ref>

As a result of the media attention generated by his win on home soil, Thorpe received multiple offers for television commercials and was often surrounded by autograph hunters.<ref name=s20>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=20}}</ref> He became a high-profile supporter of the [[Children's Cancer Institute]], after his sister Christina's future brother-in-law Michael Williams became gravely ill with cancer.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=95-102}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=42–49}}</ref>

===1998 Commonwealth Games===
{{MedalTableTop|name=no|header=[[Swimming at the 1998 Commonwealth Games|1998 Commonwealth Games]]}}
{{MedalGold | 200 m freestyle | 1:46.70}}
{{MedalGold | 400 m freestyle | 3:44.35}}
{{MedalGold | 4×100 m freestyle | 3:17.83}}
{{MedalGold | 4×200 m freestyle | 7:11.86 (WR)}}
{{MedalBottom}}
Thorpe's next competition was in March at the Australian Championships in Melbourne, which were selection trials for the [[1998 Commonwealth Games]] in Malaysia. Thorpe's improvement continued when he defeated Klim in the 200&nbsp;m freestyle in 1&nbsp;min 47.24&nbsp;s, faster than Klim's winning time at the World Championship two months earlier.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=111}}</ref> Thorpe's time was a [[List of Commonwealth records in swimming|Commonwealth record]]<ref>{{cite journal|first=Paul|last=Quinlan|title="Thorpedo" Ian Thorpe in record form|url=http://www.swimnews.com/Magazine/1998/maymag98/aussitrials.shtml|journal=Swim News Magazine|date=May 1998|access-date=14 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924112337/http://www.swimnews.com/Magazine/1998/maymag98/aussitrials.shtml|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and with it, he secured his first national title. He then claimed the 400&nbsp;m freestyle title from Hackett and clocked 50.36&nbsp;s in the 100&nbsp;m freestyle. His time earned silver in his first 100&nbsp;m race at the national level, gaining him Commonwealth selection in three individual events.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=110-113}}</ref>

Thorpe's rise continued when the Australians arrived in [[Kuala Lumpur]] during September for the Commonwealth Games. Thorpe's first event was the 200&nbsp;m freestyle, where he led throughout to record a time just one hundredth of a second outside [[Giorgio Lamberti]]'s world record.<ref name=h122>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=122}}</ref> He then combined with Klim, Kowalski and [[Matthew Dunn (swimmer)|Matt Dunn]] in the 4&nbsp;×&nbsp;200&nbsp;m freestyle relay to break the world record of the [[Unified Team at the Olympics|Unified Team]] set in [[Swimming at the 1992 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|1992]] by 0.09&nbsp;s.<ref>{{cite news|title=1998 Commonwealth Games|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/636.asp|work=[[Swimming World]]|date=25 September 1998|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930153903/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/636.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Thorpe's run ended when a personal best of 50.21&nbsp;s in the 100&nbsp;m freestyle was only sufficient for fourth place, but he returned to victory with the 4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m freestyle relay team.<ref name=h122/> He claimed a fourth gold in the 400&nbsp;m freestyle, setting another personal best, just 0.55&nbsp;s slower than Kieren Perkins' 1994 mark.<ref name="andrews"/><ref name="abc career"/><ref>{{cite news|title=1998 Commonwealth Games: Day 4|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/637.asp|work=Swimming World|date=26 September 1998|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154846/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/637.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=121-123}}</ref><ref name="s21"/>

Thorpe left school at the end of the year after completing [[Year Ten|Year 10]]. His decision caused concerns that concentrating on swimming alone could lead to burn out.<ref name=small/> Thorpe disagreed, pointing to his informal search for knowledge, stating that "Swimming is a small part of my life".<ref name="small"/> His impact in the swimming community was acknowledged when he became the youngest male swimmer to be named as the [[List of Swimming World Swimmers of the Year|''Swimming World'' Swimmer of the Year]].<ref name="small">{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=130-133}}</ref>

==Record-breaking years (1999–2002)==
{{MedalTableTop|name=no|header=[[1999 FINA World Swimming Championships (25 m)|1999 World Short Course Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold | 200 m freestyle | 1:43.28 (WR)}}
{{MedalGold | 4×100 m freestyle | 3:11.21}}
{{MedalSilver | 400 m freestyle | 3:35.64}}
{{MedalBottom}}
The year 1999 began with heavy media expectations that Thorpe would inevitably break both 200&nbsp;m and 400&nbsp;m world records, given his continuing physical growth. The first opportunity came in late March at the 1999 Australian Championships in Brisbane, which doubled as a selection event for the [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships]]. Thorpe again won the 400&nbsp;m, but Perkins' record eluded him, this time by just 0.05&nbsp;s.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=137}}</ref> Hackett turned the tables in the 200&nbsp;m event, passing Thorpe in the final 50&nbsp;m to win Thorpe's title.<ref name="andrews h"/> Although both were outside Lamberti's mark, Hackett went on to break it the following night in a relay event.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hackett Breaks 200 m Freestyle World Record|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/817.asp|work=Swimming World|date=24 March 1999|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195709/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/817.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=137-138}}</ref> Thorpe finished the Championships by continuing his improvement in the 100&nbsp;m freestyle, posting a time of 49.98&nbsp;s, his first under the 50&nbsp;s barrier. The Australian team then travelled to Hong Kong for the [[1999 FINA World Swimming Championships (25 m)|1999 World Short Course Championships]], where Thorpe broke Lamberti's mark in the 200&nbsp;m freestyle, the longest standing world record at the time. However, Hackett defeated him in the 400&nbsp;m.<ref name="andrews"/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=137-139}}</ref> This was the start of a three-year phase where Thorpe was to set his 13 individual long course world records. He led the men's relay team to unprecedented success in relay events, scoring historic victories over the Americans. Thorpe was to peak in 2001 when he became the first person to win six gold medals at one world championships, setting three world records and helping Australia top the medal tally at a global meet for the first time since 1956. In this period, he was named ''Swimming World'' Swimmer of the Year three times.<ref name="gsiprofile"/><ref name="hunterviii"/><ref name="abc career"/>

===1999 Pan Pacific Championships===
{{MedalTableTop|name=no|header=[[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships|1999 Pan Pacific Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200 m freestyle]] | 1:46.00 (WR)}}
{{MedalGold | [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]] | 3:41.83 (WR)}}
{{MedalGold | [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4×100 m freestyle]] | 3:16.08}}
{{MedalGold | [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m freestyle]] | 7:08.70 (WR)}}
{{MedalBottom}}

The [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships]] were held in August at [[Sydney Olympic Park]], and were viewed as a rehearsal for the [[2000 Summer Olympics]] to be held in the same venue. With Thorpe expected to deliver world records at his first international meet in Sydney, the event was shown live on Australian television for the first time. The opening night saw him pitted against Hackett and South Africa's [[Ryk Neethling]] in the [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400&nbsp;m freestyle]] final.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=146-147}}</ref> The trio reached the 200&nbsp;m mark in a group, on world record pace, before Thorpe broke away, recording a split time 1.86&nbsp;s ahead of world-record pace at 300&nbsp;m. He extended his lead to four body lengths by the 350&nbsp;m mark and finished in a time of 3&nbsp;min 41.83&nbsp;s, cutting almost two seconds from the world record,<ref name="abc career"/><ref name=s21>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=21}}</ref><ref name=s51>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=51}}</ref> and covering the second half in almost the same time as the first.<ref name="firstwr">{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=1999 Pan Pacific Championships: Day 1|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/981.asp|work=Swimming World|date=22 August 1999|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200501/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/981.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=147-148}}</ref> Talbot reacted to the performance by dubbing Thorpe as "the greatest swimmer we've [Australia] ever had",<ref name=h149>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=149}}</ref> whilst four-time American Olympic gold medalist [[Rowdy Gaines]], commentating for [[NBC]], said "...he went into a balls-out sprint at 250&nbsp;– and I have never seen anything like that...I have been around swimming a long time and it's the most amazing swim I've ever seen, hands down."<ref name=s51/><ref name=h149/> A formula used by the International Swimming Statisticians Association to compare world records in different events gave his performance the highest score of all current world records.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=150}}</ref> Thorpe promptly donated the A$25,000 prize money for breaking the first world record in the pool to charity.<!-- which charity? --><ref name="gsiprofile"/><ref name="andrews"/><ref name=s22>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=22}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=152-153}}</ref>

Later the same night, Thorpe anchored the Australians to a historic victory in the [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m freestyle]] final,<ref name="s51" /><ref name="s22" /> the first time the United States had lost the event. Thorpe set an Australian record relay split of 48.55&nbsp;s. Even taking into account a 0.6–0.7&nbsp;s for a flying relay start, his split time was almost 1&nbsp;s faster than his individual best of 49.98&nbsp;s.<ref name="firstwr" /> It was to be the first of many occasions in which he would anchor the Australian relay teams to victory over the Americans, with splits consistently faster than his equivalent individual times.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=150-151}}</ref> The following night, in the semi-finals of the [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200&nbsp;m freestyle]], Thorpe broke Hackett's world record by 0.33&nbsp;s, clocking 1&nbsp;min 46.34&nbsp;s.<ref name="abc career" /><ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=1999 Pan Pacific Championships: Day 2|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/984.asp|work=Swimming World|date=23 August 1999|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200534/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/984.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The next day in the final, he again broke the record,<ref name="s21" /> lowering it to 1&nbsp;min 46.0&nbsp;s.<ref name="abc career" /><ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=1999 Pan Pacific Championships: Day 3|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/985.asp|work=Swimming World|date=24 August 1999|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154728/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/985.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=153-155}}</ref> He finished his competition by leading off the [[1999 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;200&nbsp;m freestyle]] team with Klim, Hackett and [[Bill Kirby]] to victory. Their time lowered their own world record by more than three seconds, completing Thorpe's fourth world record in four nights.<ref name="andrews" /><ref name="abc career" /><ref name="andrews h" /><ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=1999 Pan Pacific Championships: Day 4|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/989.asp|work=Swimming World|date=25 August 1999|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195747/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/989.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=147-157}}</ref><ref name="s23">{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=23}}</ref>

Immediately after the Pan Pacific Championships, Thorpe's management announced his signing to [[Adidas]] for an undisclosed six-figure sum, stating that he would race in their new bodysuit. This presented a dilemma, as the national team was sponsored and wore outfits designed by [[Speedo]], leading to months of protracted discussions and uncertainty.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=162-166}}</ref> To compound his commercial difficulties, Thorpe had an uncertain end to the sporting year when, in October, he broke a bone in his ankle whilst jogging.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpedo Torpedoed|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1043.asp|work=Swimming World|date=21 October 1999|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154716/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1043.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> However his performance throughout the year was recognised when he was again named as the World Swimmer of the Year by ''Swimming World'', and by Swimming Australia as its Swimmer of the Year. In a wider arena, he was named [[List of Young Australian of the Year Award recipients|Young Australian of the Year]],<ref name="YAOTY"/> [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] Sports Star of the Year, and Male Athlete of the Year at the Australian Sports Awards.<ref name="andrews"/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=170-173}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe, Heyns Named 1999 World Swimmers of the Year|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1101.asp|work=Swimming World|date=7 December 1999|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200428/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1101.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2000 Olympic build-up===
Thorpe started 2000 looking to add a third individual event to his Olympic schedule. He explored his options by contesting the 1500&nbsp;m freestyle at the New South Wales Championships in January, which he won.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=175-176}}</ref> Thorpe embarked on a European [[1999–2000 FINA Swimming World Cup|FINA World Cup]] tour to hone his racecraft, but this was overshadowed by comments made by German head coach [[Manfred Thiesmann]] accusing him of using [[anabolic steroid|steroids]].<ref name ="Talbot blood">{{harv|Talbot|Heads|Berry|2003|page=156}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=25–26}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=178-179}}</ref> Thiseman claimed that Thorpe's physical attributes were symptomatic of steroid use and that his ability to exceed prior records believed to be drug-fuelled made his feats worthy of suspicion.<ref name="ABC profile"/><ref name="Talbot blood">{{harv|Talbot|Heads|Berry|2003|page=156}}</ref> Thorpe's difficulties heightened at the subsequent German leg of the tour in Berlin, when a standoff over a drug-test arose when officials wanted to take an unsealed sample due to lack of containers. After the standoff was resolved,<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe's Stand Vindicated|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1235.asp|work=Swimming World|date=3 February 2000|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601162930/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1235.asp|archive-date=1 June 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=s26>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=26}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=180-181}}</ref> Thorpe proceeded to cut more than 1.5&nbsp;s from his world short course record in the 200&nbsp;m freestyle.<ref>{{cite news|title=2000 FINA World Cup IX: World Record For Krayzelburg|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1203.asp|work=Swimming World|date=1 March 2000|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195728/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1203.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Given the context of the race, Thorpe rated it as his best-ever performance, ahead of his victories at Olympic and World level.<ref name=s26/><ref>{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Cowley|title=Only now does he realise just how good he was|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/only-now-does-he-realise-just-how-good-he-was/2006/11/21/1163871405610.html|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=22 November 2006|access-date=22 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025060647/http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/only-now-does-he-realise-just-how-good-he-was/2006/11/21/1163871405610.html|archive-date=25 October 2007|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=182}}</ref> On returning from Europe, Thorpe faced further uncertainty until he was granted permission to wear his Adidas suit instead of the Australian uniforms provided by Speedo.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=186-191}}</ref>

With the past uncertainties resolved, Thorpe proceeded to the Olympic selection trials at [[Sydney Olympic Park]] in May 2000. He again broke his 400&nbsp;m world record on the first night of racing,<ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=31–32}}</ref> lowering it to 3&nbsp;min 41.33&nbsp;s to earn his first Olympic selection.<ref name="abc career"/><ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Aussie Trials Day One: The Thorpedo Strikes Again|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1455.asp|work=Swimming World|date=13 May 2000|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200725/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1455.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=192-193}}</ref> The following day, he lowered his 200&nbsp;m world record to 1&nbsp;min 45.69&nbsp;s in the semi-finals,<ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=32}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Aussie Trials Day 2: Thorpe lowers the 200 free world record, Huelgill breaks the 50 fly mark|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1456.asp|work=Swimming World|date= 14 May 2000|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200719/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1456.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=193}}</ref> before lowering it again to 1&nbsp;min 45.51&nbsp;s in the final.<ref name="abc career"/><ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Thorpe Does It Again—3 Days, 3 World Records|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1457.asp|work=Swimming World|date=15 May 2000|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195820/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1457.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=33}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=194}}</ref> His attempt to secure a third individual berth failed after he finished fourth in the final of the 100&nbsp;m and withdrew from the 1500&nbsp;m.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Aussie Trials Day 5: Susie O'Neill Finally Breaks Mary T's 200 Fly Record|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1461.asp|work=Swimming World|date=15 May 2000|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200620/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1461.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=194-195}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=33–34}}</ref>

===2000 Summer Olympics===
{{MedalTableTop|name=no|header=[[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics|2000 Summer Olympics]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]] | 3:40.59 (WR)}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4×100 m freestyle]] | 3:13.67 (WR)}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m freestyle]] | 7:07.05 (WR)}}
{{MedalSilver | [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200 m freestyle]] | 1:45.83}}
{{MedalSilver | [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 100 metre medley relay|4×100 m medley]] | 3:35.27}}
{{MedalBottom}}
Entering the Olympics, the Australian public expected Thorpe to deliver multiple world records and gold medals as a formality; Sydney's ''[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|Daily Telegraph]]'' posted a front-page spread headlined ''Invincible''.<ref name=s910/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=211}}</ref> Thorpe cruised through the heats of the [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400&nbsp;m]] on the first morning of competition, posting a new [[List of Olympic records in swimming|Olympic record]] and shortening bookmakers' odds to 50–1.<ref name=s910>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=9–10}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=212}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Phillip|last=Whitten|title=Olympic Day 1 Prelims – Complete|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1781.asp|work=Swimming World|date=16 September 2000|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154605/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1781.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> By the time the final was held that night, the pressure had intensified—the host nation had yet to win its first gold medal. Thorpe led throughout, and although Italy's [[Massimiliano Rosolino]] was within a body length at the 300&nbsp;m mark, Thorpe's finishing kick extended the final margin to three body lengths.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=214-215}}</ref> This set a new world record of 3&nbsp;min 40.59&nbsp;s.<ref name="oly2000 d1">{{cite news|first=Phillip|last=Whitten|title=Olympics – Day 1 Finals (Complete)|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1784.asp|work=Swimming World|date=16 September 2000|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200607/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1784.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=79–80}}</ref> Secret tests carried out by the [[Italian National Olympic Committee]] prior to the Olympics later showed that Rosolino had abnormal levels of human growth hormone.<ref>{{cite book|first=P.H.|last=Mullen|title=Gold in the Water: the true story of ordinary men and their extraordinary dream of Olympic glory|url=https://archive.org/details/goldinwatertrues00mull|url-access=registration|page=[https://archive.org/details/goldinwatertrues00mull/page/326 326]|location=New York|publisher=Thomas Dunne Books|year=2001|isbn=0-312-31116-8}}</ref><ref name=h217>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=217}}</ref> Rosolino aside, Thorpe had left bronze medallist [[Klete Keller]] fifteen metres in arrears.<ref name=h217/>

Thorpe lined up later in the night alongside Klim, [[Chris Fydler]] and [[Ashley Callus]] to anchor the [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m freestyle relay]], an event which the Americans had never lost at Olympic level. The third leg ended with Australia only an arm's length ahead of the United States.<ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=83–85}}</ref> Thorpe timed his dive much better than [[Gary Hall Jr.]], and surfaced a body length ahead. Hall's sprinting ability allowed him to open a lead by the final turn,<ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=86–87}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=221-222}}</ref> but Thorpe's finishing kick overhauled him in the final metres, sparking wild celebrations amongst the partisan crowd.<ref name="abc career"/><ref name="oly2000 d1"/><ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=88–89}}</ref>

Prior to the 4 × 100 m freestyle relay, Hall posted on his blog: "My biased opinion says that we will smash them (Australia's 4x100m team) like guitars. Historically the U.S. has always risen to the occasion. But the logic in that remote area of my brain says it won't be so easy for the United States to dominate the waters this time." The Australian team responded to Hall's remarks after the race by playing [[air guitar]] on the pool deck. Hall recalled the race, saying, "I don't even know how to play the guitar...I consider it the best relay race I've ever been part of. I doff my cap to the great Ian Thorpe. He had a better finish than I had."<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,55195,00.html | magazine=Time | title=The Stuff of Heroes | date=18 September 2000 | access-date=3 May 2010 | first=Tom | last=Dusevic | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813223945/http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,55195,00.html | archive-date=13 August 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Another member of Australia's victorious 4x100 team, [[Michael Klim]], recalled that "Hall was the first swimmer to come over and congratulate us. Even though he dished it out, he was a true sportsman".

When Thorpe broke the [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200&nbsp;m freestyle]] Olympic record in the heats the following morning,<ref>{{cite news|first=Phillip|last=Whitten|title=Olympic Prelims: Day Two|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1789.asp|work=Swimming World|date=17 September 2000|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195721/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1789.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> his main rival [[Pieter van den Hoogenband]] of the Netherlands (with World No. 2 ranked and teammate Michael Kim bypassing the 200 metres) conceded defeat.<ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=99}}</ref><ref name=h227>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=227}}</ref> However, van den Hoogenband showed his hand in the semi-finals by cutting more than a second off his personal best, to set a new world record of 1&nbsp;min 45.35&nbsp;s. Thorpe qualified second with a personal best of his own, 0.02&nbsp;s slower,<ref name=h227/><ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=100}}</ref> and was under immense pressure to win the final the following day after his double gold on the first night.<ref>{{cite news|first=Phillip|last=Whitten|title=Olympic Day 2 Finals|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1792.asp|work=Swimming World|date=17 September 2000|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195839/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1792.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=101–102}}</ref> Van den Hoogenband started quickly and Thorpe chased him, reaching the 100&nbsp;m mark just 0.04&nbsp;s behind. Both swimmers turned at 150&nbsp;m in identical times. As a result of starting harder than usual, Thorpe faded as van den Hoogenband drew away to claim gold and equal his world record, stunning the home crowd. Thorpe touched in 1&nbsp;min 45.83&nbsp;s, the first time that he had swum slower in the final than in the qualifying rounds.<ref>{{cite news|first=Phillip|last=Whitten|title=Olympic Day 3 Finals – Complete|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1799.asp|work=Swimming World|date=18 September 2000|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154738/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1799.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=103–105}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=228-229}}</ref> Thorpe would never lose to van den Hoogenband in a long course 200 metres race again.

Thorpe returned to victory when he led off the [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;200&nbsp;m freestyle relay]] the following night, setting up a 10&nbsp;m lead over American [[Scott Goldblatt]] in the first leg. Although Thorpe was unable to reclaim the individual world record,<ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=109}}</ref> he, Klim, Kirby and [[Todd Pearson]] lowered their world record to 7&nbsp;min 07.05&nbsp;s,<ref name="s110">{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=110}}</ref> over five seconds ahead of the Americans—the largest winning margin in an Olympic relay for half a century.<ref>{{cite news|first=Phillip|last= Whitten|title=Olympic Day 4 Finals|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1804.asp|work=Swimming World|date=19 September 2000|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154751/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1804.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Talbot|Heads|Berry|2003|page=196}}</ref> Thorpe rounded off his Olympics by swimming in the heats of the [[Swimming at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 100 metre medley relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m medley relay]], and collected a silver medal when the finals quartet finished behind the Americans.<ref name="abc career" /><ref name="s111">{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=111}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=232}}</ref> Thorpe's performances as Australia's leading medalist for the Games were recognised when the [[Australian Olympic Committee]] granted him the honour of [[List of flag bearers for Australia at the Olympics|carrying the flag]] at the [[2000 Summer Olympics closing ceremony|closing ceremony]].<ref name="s111" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olympics.com.au/index.cfm?p=22|title=Games at a Glance|publisher=Australian Olympic Committee|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061014025057/http://www.olympics.com.au/index.cfm?p=22|archive-date=14 October 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=238}}</ref> With three gold and two silver medals, Thorpe was the most successful athlete at the 2000 Olympic Games. At year's end, he was again named by Swimming Australia as the Swimmer of the Year, but van den Hoogenband usurped him as the leading male swimmer chosen by ''Swimming World Magazine''.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=226-234}}</ref>

===2001 World Aquatics Championships===
{{MedalTableTop|name=no|header=[[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships|2001 World Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200 m freestyle]] | 1:44.06 (WR)}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]] | 3:40.17 (WR)}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 800 metre freestyle|800 m freestyle]] | 7:39.16 (WR)}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4×100 m freestyle]] | 3:14.10}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m freestyle]] | 7:04.66 (WR)}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre medley relay|4×100 m medley]] | 3:35.35}}
{{MedalBottom}}
With the 2001 Australian Championships held in [[Hobart]] in March, Thorpe added the 800&nbsp;m freestyle to his repertoire, after [[International Swimming Federation|FINA]] had added the event for the [[2001 World Aquatics Championships]].<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=253}}</ref> Thorpe began his campaign by successfully defending his 400&nbsp;m title with a time just 0.17&nbsp;s outside his world record.<ref>{{cite news|title=Aussie World Champs Trials: Thorpe Just Misses Breaking Own 400 Free World Record|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2354.asp|work=Swimming World|date=26 March 2001|access-date=22 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200421/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2354.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=s2001a>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=116–117}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=254}}</ref> The following night in the 800&nbsp;m event, he drew away from Hackett in the last 100&nbsp;m to break [[Kieren Perkins]]' 1994 world record by over four seconds.<ref name="abc career"/><ref name=s2001a/><ref>{{cite news|first=Ian|last=Hanson|title=Aussie Nationals: Ian Thorpe Destroys World Record in the 800; Hackett Also Under Old Mark|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2364.asp|work=Swimming World|date=26 March 2001|access-date=22 November 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105054829/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2364.asp|archive-date=5 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=255}}</ref> He earned his third title by cutting 0.66&nbsp;s from van den Hoogenband's 200&nbsp;m world record to set a new mark of 1&nbsp;min 44.69&nbsp;s.<ref name="abc career"/><ref name=s2001a/><ref>{{cite news|first=Belinda|last=Dennett|title=The Thorpedo Does It Again!! New World Record in the 200 m Free|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2371.asp|work=Swimming World|date=27 March 2001|access-date=22 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200613/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2371.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> This performance made him the third male after [[John Konrads]] and [[Tim Shaw (swimmer)|Tim Shaw]] to hold world records over three distances simultaneously.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=256}}</ref> His subsequent victory in the 100&nbsp;m freestyle in a new personal best of 49.05&nbsp;s made him the first since Konrads in 1959 to hold all Australian freestyle titles from 100&nbsp;m to 800&nbsp;m.<ref name=s2001a/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=257}}</ref> This indicated that he could swim faster at the subsequent World Championships in [[Fukuoka]], where he was looking to regain the ascendancy from van den Hoogenband.<ref name="gsiprofile"/><ref name="abc career"/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=253-257}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Belinda|last=Dennett|title=Aussie Nationals: Thorpe Wins Fourth Gold|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2380.asp|work=Swimming World|date=29 March 2001|access-date=22 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154857/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2380.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Thorpe arrived in Fukuoka having been chosen by broadcaster [[TV Asahi]] as the marketing drawcard of the event.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=257-260}}</ref> With the [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m freestyle relay]] being held after the [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400&nbsp;m freestyle]] on the first night, Thorpe appeared to be conserving energy when he reached the 200&nbsp;m mark two seconds outside his world record. Although he was 0.93&nbsp;s behind at the final turn, a final 50&nbsp;m burst in 24.36&nbsp;s saw him cut a further 0.42&nbsp;s from his world record.<ref name=s2001w>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=118–120}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=266-267}}</ref> The relay saw him dive in fractionally ahead of American [[Jason Lezak]] after Klim, Callus and Pearson had completed the first three legs. Thorpe fell behind in the early half of the leg before kicking away in the closing stages, to seal gold with his fastest-ever relay split of 47.87&nbsp;s.<ref>{{cite news|first=Craig|last=Lord|title=Thorpe Sets WR, Wins Two Gold on First Day of Competition at World Champs|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2724.asp|work=Swimming World|date=22 July 2001|access-date=22 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195735/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2724.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=267-268}}</ref> In the [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 800 metre freestyle|800&nbsp;m final]], he shadowed Hackett for the first 750&nbsp;m, staying within a body length. He then broke clear to win by a body length, lowering his world record by over two seconds.<ref name=s2001w/><ref>{{cite news|first=Craig|last=Lord|title=Thorpe, Phelps Set World Records; Haley Cope Wins in an Upset|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2732.asp|work=Swimming World|date=24 July 2001|access-date=22 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195741/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2732.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=268-269}}</ref> The [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200&nbsp;m freestyle]] rematch with van den Hoogenband provided Thorpe with a chance to rectify his strategy from the Olympics; this time he allowed the Dutchman to lead through the first 100&nbsp;m. Thorpe pulled even at the 150&nbsp;m mark and then broke away towards the finishing wall two body lengths clear. He lowered his world record to 1&nbsp;min 44.06&nbsp;s in the process, prompting van den Hoogenband to raise his arm aloft.<ref name=s2001w/><ref>{{cite news|first=Craig|last=Lord|title=The Thorpedo Strikes Again—Another Awesome World Record|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2736.asp|work=Swimming World|date=25 July 2001|access-date=22 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154801/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2736.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=271-272}}</ref>

Thorpe's winning streak was interrupted in the [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100&nbsp;m freestyle]] when his personal best of 48.81&nbsp;s placed him fourth,<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=273}}</ref> but he returned to form in the [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;200&nbsp;m freestyle relay]]. Anchoring the team of Klim, Hackett and Kirby, the Australians lowered their world record time by more than two seconds, leaving the Italians more than six seconds in arrears.<ref name="gsiprofile" /><ref>{{cite news|first=Craig|last=Lord|title=Aussies Smash 800 Relay WR; USA Celebrates with Wins by Ervin, Peirsol, Bowen|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2754.asp|work=Swimming World|date=27 July 2001|access-date=22 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930153946/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2754.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Having overtaken Klim as Australia's leading 100&nbsp;m freestyle swimmer, Thorpe was entrusted with anchoring the [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre medley relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m medley relay]] team on 28 July. After [[Matt Welsh]], [[Regan Harrison]] and [[Geoff Huegill]] had finished their legs, Thorpe's change left him half a body length behind the new [[Swimming at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100&nbsp;m world champion]] [[Anthony Ervin]] of the United States. The Americans were expected to win, and with his typically slow start, Thorpe turned a body length behind with 50&nbsp;m remaining. With an American victory seeming inevitable, Thorpe managed to accelerate and deprive Ervin of the lead in the last 5&nbsp;m.<ref name="Hunter, pp. 274–275" /><ref name="s2001w" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Finals Results: 28 July|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2761.asp|work=Swimming World|date=28 July 2001|access-date=22 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154652/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/2761.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> This made Thorpe the only swimmer to have won six gold medals at a World Championships,<ref name="abc career" /><ref name="ABC profile" /> and the first since Shaw in 1974 to win the 200–400–800 treble.<ref name="s2001w" /> His performances formed the basis for Australia's gold medal win over the United States 13–9. It was also the first time since the [[Swimming at the 1956 Summer Olympics#Medal table|1956 Summer Olympics]] that Australia had topped the medal tally at a global meet.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=264-275}}</ref> Thorpe's achievements led to predictions that he could match [[Mark Spitz]]'s seven gold medals at the [[Swimming at the 1972 Summer Olympics|1972 Summer Olympics]], which he played down.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe targets drug cheats|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tv_and_radio/1921956.stm|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=12 April 2006|access-date=22 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116045056/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tv_and_radio/1921956.stm|archive-date=16 January 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2002 Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships===
Thorpe began competition in 2002 at the Australian Championships in Brisbane in March, which were used to select the team for the [[2002 Commonwealth Games]] in Manchester and the [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships]]. After his record six gold medals in Fukuoka, the meet was surrounded by further expectations of world records and speculation that he would match [[Mark Spitz|Spitz]]'s seven gold medals.<ref name=s02>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=121–122}}</ref> His winning time in the 400&nbsp;m was the second fastest in history, but such was the expectation on him that his failure to break a world record was the talking point.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=290-291}}</ref> He claimed the 100&nbsp;m and 200&nbsp;m events in times outside his best, making it the first time that he had failed to break a world record at a major meet since 1999.<ref name="swiminfo 2002">{{cite news|first=Phillip|last=Whitten|title=2002 Year in Review|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/2002_year_in_review.asp|work=Swimming World|date=30 December 2006|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154932/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/2002_year_in_review.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> He also experimented by adding the 100&nbsp;m backstroke to his repertoire, placing second.<ref name=s02/> This earned him a Commonwealth spot in a seventh event, leading to further media speculation that he could match Spitz.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=289-292}}</ref>
{{MedalTableTop|name=no|header=[[Swimming at the 2002 Commonwealth Games|2002 Commonwealth Games]]}}
{{MedalGold | 100 m freestyle | 48.73}}
{{MedalGold | 200 m freestyle | 1:44.71}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2002 Commonwealth Games – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]] | 3:40.08 (WR)}}
{{MedalGold | 4×100 m freestyle | 3:16.42}}
{{MedalGold | 4×200 m freestyle | 7:11.69}}
{{MedalGold | 4×100 m medley | 3:36.05}}
{{MedalSilver | 100 m backstroke | 55.38}}
{{MedalBottom}}
By this time, Thorpe's relationship with Frost was beginning to unravel. Thorpe had always insisted that his swimming was about enjoyment and improving himself in setting faster times, rather than victory or defeat. This contrasted with Frost, who had a more aggressive and combative mindset, often making bold public statements.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=286, 290, 297}}</ref> Thorpe ignored Frost's advice and bulked up his upper body by a further 5&nbsp;kg to 105&nbsp;kg, making him the heaviest elite swimmer in history.<ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=124}}</ref> His reasoning that the strength gains would outweigh any loss in flexibility raised concerns over his physiological strategy.<ref>{{harv|Talbot|Heads|Berry|2003|pages=228–229}}</ref> On the first night in Manchester, Thorpe again lowered his [[Swimming at the 2002 Commonwealth Games – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400&nbsp;m mark]] by 0.09&nbsp;s to 3&nbsp;min 40.08&nbsp;s, which remains the fastest ever 400m swim not swum in an [[LZR Racer]]<ref name="abc career"/><ref name="swiminfo 2002"/><ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=128–130}}</ref> before anchoring the 4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m freestyle relay team to another gold.<ref name="bbc cg2002">{{cite news|title=Thorpe's six of the best|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/commonwealthgames2002/hi/swimming/newsid_2166000/2166261.stm|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=2 August 2006|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060324003216/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/commonwealthgames2002/hi/swimming/newsid_2166000/2166261.stm|archive-date=24 March 2006|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=s132>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=132}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=300}}</ref> Prior to the 200&nbsp;m final, Thorpe was seen arguing with Frost in the warm-up area. Thorpe won, but was unusually angry at having failed to lower his previous best, publicly stating that he "wasn't with it" and that he had "one of the worst warm-ups ever".<ref name="bbc cg2002"/><ref name=s132/><ref name=h301>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=301}}</ref> Thorpe did manage to lower his personal best in the 100&nbsp;m freestyle to 48.73&nbsp;s en route to his fourth gold, and anchored the 4&nbsp;×&nbsp;200&nbsp;m freestyle and 4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m medley relays to comfortable victories.<ref name="bbc cg2002"/><ref name=h301/><ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=132–133}}</ref> When he collected a silver in his first international race in the 100&nbsp;m backstroke with another personal best behind world champion [[Matt Welsh]],<ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=133–137}}</ref> he was forced to rebuff media comparisons to Spitz. He emphasised personal performance, stating "I think it's a limiting attitude to be competing against other people when you can be challenging yourself".<ref name="self"/> Despite Thorpe's assertion that he could not match Spitz, Frost predicted that Thorpe could win nine golds at one Olympics.<ref name="self">{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=297-303}}</ref> In spite of the media disappointment, Thorpe's six gold medals equalled the record set by [[Susie O'Neill]], completing all in [[List of Commonwealth Games records in swimming|Games]] or World record time.<ref name="abc career"/><ref name="ABC profile"/><ref name="swiminfo 2002"/><ref name="bbc cg2002"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Lenton Staring at Historical Haul|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10987.asp|work=Swimming World|date=8 March 2006|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154522/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10987.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=s137>Swanton p. 137.</ref> As a result, he was awarded the honour of carrying the flag at the closing ceremony.<ref name=s137/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=302-303}}</ref>
{{MedalTableTop|name=no|header=[[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships|2002 Pan Pacific Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100 m freestyle]] | 48.84}}
{{MedalGold | [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200 m freestyle]] | 1:44.75}}
{{MedalGold | [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]] | 3:45.28}}
{{MedalGold | [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4×100 m freestyle]] | 3:15.41}}
{{MedalGold | [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m freestyle]] | 7:09.00}}
{{MedalSilver | [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre medley relay|4×100 m medley]] | 3:34.84}}
{{MedalBottom}}
The Pan Pacific Championships followed in [[Yokohama]] less than a month later, with media speculation about Thorpe and Frost overshadowing the racing.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=304-305}}</ref> Thorpe began his campaign with a victory over Hackett in the [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400&nbsp;m freestyle]] in a time five seconds outside his world record. Afterwards, he revealed that both he and Hackett had deliberately conserved energy for the [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m freestyle relay]] later in the night.<ref name=h306>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=306}}</ref> Australia subsequently won the relay, with Thorpe again overtaking [[Jason Lezak]] in the last 50&nbsp;m.<ref name=h306/><ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe does just enough|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/2214725.stm|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=24 August 2006|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116020224/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/2214725.stm|archive-date=16 January 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> He subsequently won the [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200&nbsp;m freestyle]], and anchored the [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;200&nbsp;m freestyle relay]] to victory to take his tally to four golds.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe on target|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/2217302.stm|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=26 August 2006|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116045026/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/2217302.stm|archive-date=16 January 2009|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=7}}</ref> After qualifying second in the [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100&nbsp;m freestyle]], Thorpe came from fourth at the 50&nbsp;m mark win his fifth gold in a time of 48.84&nbsp;s.<ref name="swiminfo 2002"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe bags fifth gold|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/2221252.stm|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=26 August 2006|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116020229/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/2221252.stm|archive-date=16 January 2009|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hunter, p. 308">{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=308}}</ref> Thorpe's run ended in the [[2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre medley relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m medley relay]] final, when despite setting the second fastest ever relay split of 47.20&nbsp;s, Australia were defeated.<ref>{{cite news|title=US sets new world best|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/2223324.stm|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=29 August 2006|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116020234/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/2223324.stm|archive-date=16 January 2009|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=307-309}}</ref>

==Tracey Menzies era (2003–2006)==
After the 2002 Pan Pacific Championships, Thorpe announced that he was splitting with Frost to train with one of his assistants, [[Tracey Menzies]], who had no prior international experience. Admitting that tension existed between him and Frost, Thorpe asserted that the split was amicable. He cited waning motivation for the split, stating "I decided I either had to make the change or it was to walk away from the sport".<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe splits with coach|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/2253415.stm|publisher=BBC|date=12 September 2002|access-date=8 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116052840/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/2253415.stm|archive-date=16 January 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> The retired Talbot expressed concerns that Thorpe was making a decision whilst he was physically and emotionally drained, while other coaches felt that the new relationship would end up with Thorpe, rather than Menzies, making the decisions.<ref name="ABC profile"/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=311-313}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Talbot|Heads|Berry|2003|pages=232–233}}</ref> Despite a turbulent year, he was again named by ''Swimming World'' as its World Swimmer of the Year.<ref name="swiminfo 2002"/>

Along with the switch of coaches, Thorpe indicated that he would put more focus on improving his sprinting ability. He thus dropped the 800&nbsp;m freestyle despite being the reigning world champion and record holder.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=321-323}}</ref> During this period, his times in the 400&nbsp;m and 200&nbsp;m freestyle deteriorated, and both he and Menzies were criticised. The criticism continued to mount during their partnership, particularly during the build-up to the 2004 Olympics. Following his victory in the 200 and 400 events in Athens, Thorpe said that his results justified his decision, despite posting substantially faster times as a young swimmer under Frost.<ref name="Hunter-2004">{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=389-398}}</ref>

In May 2002, Thorpe also hosted the [[Australia]]n [[reality television]] show ''[[Undercover Angels]]'' on the [[Seven Network]]. The show ran for 11 episodes and was widely panned by media critics.

===2003 World Aquatics Championships===
{{MedalTableTop|name=no|header=[[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships|2003 World Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200 m freestyle]] | 1:45.14}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]] | 3:42.58}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m freestyle]] | 7:08.58}}
{{MedalSilver | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 200 metre individual medley|200 m medley]] | 1:59.66}}
{{MedalBronze | [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100 m freestyle]] | 48.77}}
{{MedalBottom}}
The first major test of Thorpe's partnership with Menzies came at the Australian Championships held in Sydney in March. Thorpe did not threaten any of his world records, completing the 400&nbsp;m and 200&nbsp;m freestyle more than two and one seconds respectively off his best. Despite defeating Hackett in both races to retain his titles,<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Aussie Champs: Jones Lowers Breast Mark Again, Thorpe Unhappy With 8th Fastest 200 Free|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5172.asp|work=Swimming World|date=24 March 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195911/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5172.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> he later admitted that he was "pretty disappointed" with his performances.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=326-327}}</ref> When he tied with [[Ashley Callus]] in a time of 49.05&nbsp;s,<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Thorpe, Callus Tie in 100&nbsp;m Free at Aussie Trials|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5182.asp|work=Swimming World|date=25 March 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200626/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5182.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> he was criticised by ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' which stated "The measure of Thorpe's sprinting ability is that he could only match the efforts of a virus-riddled Callus".<ref name="Hunter, p. 308"/> Thorpe found some relief by setting a new Commonwealth record of 2&nbsp;min 00.11&nbsp;s in his first long course 200&nbsp;m individual medley outing, the fifth fastest time in the past year.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Aussie Champs: Hackett Swims 7th Fastest 800; Thorpe Breaks Commonwealth Record in 200 IM|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5191.asp|work=Swimming World|date=27 March 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200639/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5191.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thorpe attracted further criticism when he withdrew from the [[2003 Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool|inaugural Duel in the Pool]] with a medical complaint, despite travelling overseas for commercial and charity work.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Thorpe Withdraws From 'Duel in the Pool'|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/flash-thorpe-withdraws-from-duel-in-the-pool/|date=28 March 2003|access-date=15 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130101839/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/flash-thorpe-withdraws-from-duel-in-the-pool/|archive-date=30 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=325-330}}</ref>

Thorpe arrived for the [[2003 World Aquatics Championships|2003 World Championships]] in Barcelona for his first major international competition since Menzies' appointment under heavy media scrutiny following his non-improvement at the Australian Championships. On the first night of competition Thorpe defeated Hackett in the [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400&nbsp;m freestyle]] in a time 2.5&nbsp;s outside his world record,<ref name = "WC2003 1">{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=World Champs, Day One Finals: Jenny Thompson Anchors US Women, Popov Anchors Russian Men to Gold in the 400 Free Relay|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5638.asp|work=Swimming World|date=20 July 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154821/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5638.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> making him the first to win three world titles in the same event.<ref name="abc career"/> After his relatively slow 400&nbsp;m, he was again under pressure in the [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200&nbsp;m freestyle]] after van den Hoogenband led at the 100&nbsp;m mark ahead of world record pace. Thorpe managed to respond and retain his world title,<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last= Thomas|title=Phelps Sets World Record, Three Championship Marks Tumble|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5653.asp|work=Swimming World|date=22 July 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200447/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5653.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> and gained some relief after his sprint training yielded his first medal in the [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100&nbsp;m freestyle]] at a global competition; he finished third in 48.77&nbsp;s.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=World Champs, Day 5 Finals: Two World Records and 3 Championship Records Set, Popov Upsets Hoogie to Highlight Day 5|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5665.asp|work=Swimming World|date=24 July 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930153928/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5665.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> In all three freestyle events however, he had swum slower than his times under Frost. He ended his individual campaign on a promising note with his experiment with the [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 200 metre individual medley|200&nbsp;m individual medley]], setting a new personal best of 1&nbsp;min 59.66&nbsp;s to claim silver.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Michael Does It Again, Destroys 200 IM Mark|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5669.asp|work=Swimming World|date=24 July 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200548/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5669.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thorpe again anchored the [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;200&nbsp;m freestyle]] team to retain the world title along with Hackett, [[Nicholas Sprenger]] and [[Craig Stevens (swimmer)|Craig Stevens]], with a reduced margin over the Americans, who finished less than two seconds in arrears.<ref name="abc career"/><ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=World Champs, Day 4 Finals: Phelps, Aussie 800 Free Relay Take Gold; Kitajima Lowers Championship Mark Again in 200 Breaststroke|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5660.asp|work=Swimming World|date=24 July 2003|access-date=20 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154618/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/5660.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Michael Klim]]'s injuries left the relay teams weakened, with Thorpe anchoring the [[Swimming at the 2003 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m freestyle]] team to fourth,<ref name="WC2003 1"/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=337-342}}</ref> At the end of a difficult year in the water, his standing had fallen in the eyes of ''Swimming World'', who rated him fourth in the world. He was again named as Australian Swimmer of the Year, jointly with Hackett.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=346-347}}</ref>

===2004 Summer Olympics===
{{MedalTableTop|name=no|header=[[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Summer Olympics]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200 m freestyle]] | 1:44.71 (OR)}}
{{MedalGold | [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400 m freestyle]] | 3:43.10}}
{{MedalSilver | [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4×200 m freestyle]] | 7:07.46}}
{{MedalBronze | [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100 m freestyle]] | 48.56}}
{{MedalBottom}}
After his feats at the 2003 World Championships, [[Speedo]] had generated significant media publicity by offering [[Michael Phelps]] US$1&nbsp;million if he could match Spitz's seven golds. Thorpe was adamant that this was impossible, and scrapped his seventh event, the 200&nbsp;m individual medley from his Olympic program.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=349-350}}</ref> In late March 2004 at the Australian Championships in Sydney, Thorpe overbalanced whilst on the blocks in the heats of the 400&nbsp;m freestyle and fell into the water, resulting in his disqualification and ending the defence of his Olympic 400&nbsp;m title.<ref name="abc career"/> This resulted in a large debate among the swimming and public community as to whether Thorpe should be given an exception to Australia's policy of selecting the first and second place getters, with [[Prime Minister of Australia]] [[John Howard]] describing the situation as a "tragedy".<ref>{{cite news|first=Mark|last=Bannerman|title=Thorpe's tumble divides nation|url=http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2004/s1076520.htm|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=29 March 2004|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104045942/http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2004/s1076520.htm|archive-date=4 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite the intense media spotlight, Thorpe managed to win the 100&nbsp;m and 200&nbsp;m freestyle events to ensure his selection for Athens. [[Craig Stevens (swimmer)|Craig Stevens]], who had claimed the second qualifying position in the 400&nbsp;m event, subsequently faced immense public pressure to relinquish his position to Thorpe, and later did so in a television interview for which he was paid.<ref name="abc career"/> This generated ethical debate as to whether Stevens' decision had been bought, and criticism against Thorpe.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mark|last=Bannerman|title=Stevens announcement raises financial questions for world sport|url=http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2004/s1095187.htm|format=The 7.30 report, transcript|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=29 April 2004|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023114624/http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2004/s1095187.htm|archive-date=23 October 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=354-359}}</ref>

The pressure in the lead-up was further compounded by the media attention surrounding Phelps, who had decided that the 200&nbsp;m freestyle would be one of the events in his quest for eight gold medals. This prompted many media outlets to label the race between Thorpe, van den Hoogenband, Phelps and Hackett as ''The Race of the Century''. With the press spotlight growing, Thorpe tried to avoid media attention, resulting in a few terse media events.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=377-380}}</ref> Thorpe's increasing focus on the 100&nbsp;m event, coupled with the media pressure, resulted in speculation that he was vulnerable to Hackett in the [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 400 metre freestyle|400&nbsp;m event]]. Thorpe made a slow start in the final, reaching the 100&nbsp;m mark one second outside world record pace. In a topsy-turvy performance at irregular pace, there were multiple changes of lead before Thorpe established a body-length lead by 350&nbsp;m. He was closed down by Hackett, holding on by only 0.26&nbsp;s in a time three seconds outside his own world record.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe, Hackett quinella 400&nbsp;m free|url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200408/s1176720.htm|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=15 August 2004|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112000645/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200408/s1176720.htm|archive-date=12 November 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=384-388}}</ref>

With Klim recently returning from a two-year injury layoff, and Callus ill, Thorpe could only anchor Australia to sixth in the [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;100&nbsp;m freestyle relay]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=South African Men Take a Historic Relay Victory in 400 free- Smash World Record|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/7821.asp|work=Swimming World|date=15 August 2004|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195858/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/7821.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 200 metre freestyle|200&nbsp;m]] began with van den Hoogenband again attacking immediately, reaching the 100&nbsp;m mark more than a second under the world record split, with Thorpe half a body length behind. Thorpe gradually reduced the lead before passing van den Hoogenband in the last 50&nbsp;m to win ''The Race of the Century'' by half a body length, in a new Olympic record of 1&nbsp;min 44.71&nbsp;s.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=The Thorpedo Triumphs over Hoogie in the 'Race of the Century', Phelps Takes the Bronze|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/7839.asp|work=Swimming World|date=16 August 2004|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200646/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/7839.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Having achieved what had eluded him four years earlier, Thorpe reacted emotionally, immediately tearing off his cap, punching the air and screaming.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe makes history in 200&nbsp;m free|url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/s1178025.htm|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=17 August 2004|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112170550/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/s1178025.htm|archive-date=12 November 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The next day saw six years of Australian victory in the [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay|4&nbsp;×&nbsp;200&nbsp;m freestyle relay]] ended when Hackett, Klim and Sprenger had put Thorpe into the final leg 1.48&nbsp;s behind Keller. Thorpe gradually reduced the margin but was unable to pass Keller in the last lap, the United States touching 0.13&nbsp;s earlier.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=USA Downs Aussies in 800 Freestyle Relay in American Record 7:07.33 Italy Takes the Bronze|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/7865.asp|work=Swimming World|date=17 August 2004|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154641/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/7865.asp|archive-date=30 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=US too good in 4×200&nbsp;m relay|url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200408/s1178894.htm|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=18 August 2004|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112015803/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200408/s1178894.htm|archive-date=12 November 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thorpe found himself on the other side of a close result when he qualified last for the [[Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 100 metre freestyle|100&nbsp;m freestyle]] by 0.01&nbsp;s. He capitalised in the final by coming from sixth at the 50&nbsp;m mark to win bronze medal in a personal best of 48.56&nbsp;s,<ref name="Hunter-2004"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Van den Hoogenband wins 100|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics_2004/swimming/3577798.stm|publisher=BBC|date=18 August 2004|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515035309/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics_2004/swimming/3577798.stm|archive-date=15 May 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> making him the only person to medal in the 100–200–400 combination in Olympic history.<ref name="abc career"/> After the Athens Olympics, Thorpe took a break from competitive swimming, skipping the [[2005 World Aquatics Championships]].

===2006: Attempted return and retirement===
[[File:Thorpe's Aquatic Center.jpg|thumb|320px|[[Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre]] in [[Ultimo, New South Wales|Ultimo, Sydney]]]]

Thorpe returned to competition at the New South Wales Championships in December 2005. He raced in the 200&nbsp;m and stated his intention to retire after the [[2008 Summer Olympics]] in Beijing.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe Not Planning Beyond 2008|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10697.asp|work=Swimming World|date=27 January 2006|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200554/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10697.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thorpe announced that due to a desire to concentrate on the 100&nbsp;m freestyle, he had dropped his pet event, the 400&nbsp;m. He was unmoved by national coach [[Alan Thompson (swimming coach)|Alan Thompson]], who implored him to continue swimming the event.<ref>{{cite news|title=Aussie Expectations Are High for Commonwealth Games|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10507.asp|work=Swimming World|date=2 January 2006|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061230053440/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10507.asp|archive-date=30 December 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> In February, Thorpe qualified for the [[2006 Commonwealth Games]] by winning the 100&nbsp;m and 200&nbsp;m freestyle in times of 49.24&nbsp;s and 1&nbsp;min 46.42&nbsp;s respectively. He expressed disappointment with his performances; he speculated that he may have misjudged his new training schedule and anticipated further improvement.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Australian Commonwealth Games Trials: Day Two Finals: Flash! Lenton Regains World Record in the 100 Freestyle; Thorpe Makes A Successful Return in the 200 Free|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10754.asp|work=Swimming World|date=31 January 2006|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070125220051/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10754.asp|archive-date=25 January 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen J.|last=Thomas|title=Australian Commonwealth Games Trials: Day Four Finals: Schipper Breaks Commonwealth Record to Win 100 Fly; Thorpe Gets the Job Done in 100 Freestyle to Take Fifth Title|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10771.asp|work=Swimming World|date=2 February 2006|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195851/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10771.asp|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Soon after, Thorpe announced his withdrawal from the Commonwealth Games due to a bout of [[bronchitis]], which had stopped him from training.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe is Out of Commonwealth Games|url=http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10981.asp|work=Swimming World|date=7 March 2006|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061230053722/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/10981.asp|archive-date=30 December 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Illness forces Thorpe to stand down |url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,18377317-2,00.html |access-date=7 March 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060511082351/http://www.news.com.au/story/0%2C10117%2C18377317-2%2C00.html |archive-date=11 May 2006 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Thorpe's illness was later diagnosed as a strain of [[infectious mononucleosis|glandular fever]],<ref>{{cite news|first=Jim|last=Wilson|title=Ian Thorpe turns to gymnastics|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20532859-14641,00.html|work=Herald Sun|location=Australia|date=6 October 2006|access-date=14 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411122906/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20532859-14641,00.html|archive-date=11 April 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> and after a further delay caused by a broken hand, he moved to the United States in July to work with [[Dave Salo]]. Further disruption followed when the Australian switched coaches, citing excessive and ongoing media attention.<ref>{{cite news|first=Nicole|last=Jeffery|title=City of Angels full of answers for Thorpe|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20525791-2722,00.html|work=The Australian|date=5 October 2006|access-date=10 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919133240/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20525791-2722,00.html|archive-date=19 September 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Thorpe's stay was constantly surrounded by rumours that he was suffering from ill discipline; this fuelled speculation that his international career was on the decline.<ref>{{cite news|first=Rebecca|last=Wilson|title=Thorpe – Me, LA and gay rumours|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20186448-661,00.html|work=Herald Sun|location=Australia|date=20 August 2006|access-date=24 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080130121323/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20186448-661,00.html|archive-date=30 January 2008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe fitness weighs heavily on Australian minds|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20060806/sport/thorpes-fitness-weighs-heavily-on-australian-minds.45310|agency=Reuters|date=4 August 2006|access-date=10 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909144300/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20060806/sport/thorpes-fitness-weighs-heavily-on-australian-minds.45310|archive-date=9 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

Upon his return to Australia, Thorpe withdrew from the selection trials for the [[2007 World Aquatics Championships|2007 World Championships]] and announced his retirement on 21 November 2006.<ref>{{cite news|first=Lincoln |last=Archer |title=Ian Thorpe quits swimming |url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20795172-2,00.html |date=21 November 2006 |access-date=21 November 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917114431/http://www.news.com.au/story/0%2C23599%2C20795172-2%2C00.html |archive-date=17 September 2008 }}</ref> Thorpe said that he had been contemplating retirement for some time, but was afraid of the future because swimming had given him a "safety blanket".<ref name=ret2/> Thorpe stated that he retired despite reaching higher levels of fitness, noting "As I got fit, physically fit, my mind also got fit".<ref name=ret2/> He said a clear mind allowed him to reach his decision. He was close to tears when thanking the Australian public, but declared that his retirement was a "joyous" occasion of celebration.<ref name=ret2>{{cite news|first=Nicole|last=Jeffery|title=Thorpe looks up from black line|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/thorpe-looks-up-from-black-line/story-fna7dq6e-1111112562565|work=The Australian|date=22 November 2006|access-date=22 November 2006}}</ref>

In 2007, the French sports newspaper ''[[L'Équipe]]'' claimed that Thorpe "showed 'abnormal levels' of two banned substances in a doping test" in 2006 prior to his retirement.<ref>{{cite news|title=Doping allegations to sink Aussie swimmer Thorpe?|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/summer/2007-03-30-thorpe_N.htm|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=31 March 2007|access-date=26 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226233134/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/summer/2007-03-30-thorpe_N.htm|archive-date=26 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=L'Equipe: Thorpe showed 'abnormal levels' of banned substances |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/sports/20070330-1643-swm-thorpe-dopingreport.html |newspaper=[[U-T San Diego]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |publisher=[[Platinum Equity]] |date=30 March 2007 |access-date=15 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115095549/http://www.utsandiego.com/sports/20070330-1643-swm-thorpe-dopingreport.html |archive-date=15 January 2015 }}</ref> Thorpe denied the charges. The [[Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority]] (ASADA) confirmed that they had investigated Thorpe in the past, for abnormal levels of [[testosterone (medication)|testosterone]] and [[luteinising hormone]] (LH), but had dismissed the result.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jacquelin|last=Magnay|title=Thorpe likely to be cleared|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/swimming/thorpe-likely-to-be-cleared/2007/04/05/1175366408414.html?page=fullpage|newspaper=[[The Age]]|location=Melbourne, Australia|date=6 April 2007|access-date=20 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921122522/http://www.theage.com.au/news/swimming/thorpe-likely-to-be-cleared/2007/04/05/1175366408414.html?page=fullpage|archive-date=21 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Thorpe maintains innocence, vows to clear name|url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200704/s1886783.htm|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=1 April 2007|access-date=2 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112170545/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200704/s1886783.htm|archive-date=12 November 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> FINA dropped its investigation and closed the case.<ref name="finadrop">{{cite news|title=Thorpe in clear over drugs test|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/swimming/7082485.stm|publisher=BBC|date=7 November 2007|access-date=7 November 2007}}</ref> Thorpe has never been found to have used banned substances, and has denied allegations against him while also speaking out against drug use. He has called for the introduction of blood testing, promised to surrender a frozen sample for retrospective testing and repeatedly criticised [[International Swimming Federation|FINA]] for drug-testing procedures that he regards as inadequate.<ref name="ABC profile"/><ref name="Talbot blood"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Hall backs Thorpe over drug use claims|url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200408/s1168739.htm|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=4 August 2004|access-date=10 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601185830/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200408/s1168739.htm|archive-date=1 June 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Comeback (2011–2012)==
In February 2011, Thorpe announced that he would come out of retirement and attempt to qualify for the 2012 Olympics in London.<ref>{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Cowley|title=He's back – Thorpe takes the plunge|url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/swimming/hes-back--thorpe-takes-the-plunge-20110201-1achy.html|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=2 February 2011|access-date=1 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203055643/http://www.smh.com.au/sport/swimming/hes-back--thorpe-takes-the-plunge-20110201-1achy.html|archive-date=3 February 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Nicole|last=Jeffery|title=Ian Thorpe back on the Olympic wagon|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/ian-thorpe-back-on-the-olympic-wagon/story-e6frg7mf-1225998613255|newspaper=[[The Australian]]|date=2 February 2011}}</ref> Thorpe's major focus was the 100&nbsp;m and 200&nbsp;m freestyle at 2012's trials, stating he could offer the most value to the Australian team in the relays. He would not swim the 400&nbsp;m, claiming he would not have enough time to build up endurance for that event.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/02/3128254.htm|title=Thorpe must come back 'better than ever'|newspaper=ABC News |date=2 February 2011|access-date=28 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629002000/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/02/3128254.htm|archive-date=29 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Thorpe swam the 100&nbsp;m butterfly and 100&nbsp;m medley in Singapore (4–5 November) and Beijing (8–9 November) before also taking on the 100&nbsp;m freestyle in the Tokyo (12–13 November) round of the [[2011 FINA Swimming World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Mixed bag for Thorpe in World Cup return|url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/swimming/mixed-bag-for-thorpe-in-world-cup-return-20111018-1lyts.html|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=19 October 2011|access-date=19 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020122149/http://www.smh.com.au/sport/swimming/mixed-bag-for-thorpe-in-world-cup-return-20111018-1lyts.html|archive-date=20 October 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2012: Australian Olympic Trials and aftermath===
Thorpe's comeback attempt in the 200&nbsp;m freestyle came to an abrupt end on Day Two of [[2012 Australian Swimming Championships|Australia's Olympic Trials]] in Adelaide, on 16 March 2012. No longer allowed to wear the full-body racing suit (covering from neck to ankles and wrists) banned by [[LZR Racer|FINA rule changes]], he competed wearing just the "jammer" (hip to thigh) racing shorts. He swam very well in the morning heats, cruising to 1:49.18, a time which placed him equal fifth fastest. However, in the semi-finals that evening he faded over the last 100 metres, finishing in 12th place at 1:49.91. Speaking to reporters immediately afterwards, Thorpe said, "The last 100 was a struggle, I'm not sure why. This was slower than what I swam this morning, probably the inexperience of racing in the last 18 months held me up. The fairytale has turned into a nightmare."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/london-olympics/thorpe-fairytale-becomes-a-nightmare/story-fn9dheyx-1226302055936|title=Ian Thorpe finishes 12th in 200m freestyle at the Australian Swimming Championships|date=16 March 2012|work=Herald Sun|access-date=17 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404085515/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/london-olympics/thorpe-fairytale-becomes-a-nightmare/story-fn9dheyx-1226302055936|archive-date=4 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 100&nbsp;m freestyle on day 3 (17 March), Thorpe won his heat (the 9th of 12) but failed to break 50 seconds and did not advance to the semi-finals with the top 16 sprinters. Thus, his bid to qualify for the London Olympics officially ended.
[[File:Ian Thorpe's Giant Hands.jpg|thumb|300px|Ian Thorpe's hand prints at the Sydney Aquatic Centre.]]
It was subsequently announced that Thorpe was targeting qualification for the [[2013 World Aquatics Championships|2013 World Championships]] in Barcelona<ref>{{cite news|first=Jim|last=Tucker|title=Ian Thorpe sets sights on 2013 world championships in Barcelona|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/london-olympics/ian-thorpe-sets-sights-on-2013-world-championships-in-barcelona/story-fndpumez-1226435988531|newspaper=[[The Courier-Mail]]|location=Brisbane|date=26 July 2012|access-date=20 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806072220/http://www.news.com.au/sport/london-olympics/ian-thorpe-sets-sights-on-2013-world-championships-in-barcelona/story-fndpumez-1226435988531|archive-date=6 August 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> and later the [[2014 Commonwealth Games]] in Glasgow,<ref>{{cite news|title=Ian Thorpe to set sights on making Australia's Commonwealth Games team|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/ian-thorpe-to-set-sights-on-making-australias-commonwealth-games-team/story-fnduczvk-1226563652026|newspaper=[[The Courier-Mail]]|location=Brisbane|agency=[[Australian Associated Press|AAP]]|date=28 January 2013}}</ref> but was forced to abandon his plans due to a shoulder injury.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jessica|last=Halloran|title=Ian Thorpe gives up on Olympic dreams after shoulder injury|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/ian-thorpe-gives-up-on-olympic-dreams-after-shoulder-injury/story-fni0cx12-1226686873505|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|The Sunday Telegraph]]|location=Sydney|publisher=[[News Corp Australia]]|date=27 July 2013|access-date=29 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622084039/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/ian-thorpe-gives-up-on-olympic-dreams-after-shoulder-injury/story-fni0cx12-1226686873505|archive-date=22 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Athletic attributes==
Thorpe's success has been attributed to his work ethic, mental strength, powerful kick, ability to accelerate and a physiology suited to swimming. This led former Australian head coach [[Don Talbot]] to label him as "the greatest swimmer the world has seen".<ref name=talb/> Although ''Swimming World'' labelled Thorpe's technique as "extraordinary" and "superior",<ref name="swiminfo tech">{{cite news |title = World Cup VIII: German Coach Accuses Thorpe of Doping |url = http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1192.asp |work=Swimming World |date = 3 February 2000 |access-date =21 November 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070601163132/http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/1192.asp |archive-date = 1 June 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Talbot disagreed, stating his belief that Thorpe relied on his kick too heavily at the expense of his arms. He also cited Thorpe's ability to manage his workload and his day-to-day recovery between races during a meet as a deficiency.<ref name=talb>{{harv|Talbot|Heads|Berry|2003|pages=221–229}}</ref> Thorpe was known for using his trademark six-beat kick to power away from his rivals in the closing stages of races, the effectiveness of which was attributed to his unusually large [[shoe size|size 17]] feet.<ref name = "ABC profile"/><ref name="iht.com">{{cite news|first=Christopher|last=Clarey|title=Ian Thorpe, Australian hero, throws in the towel|date=21 November 2006|access-date=26 April 2007|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/11/21/sports/SWIM.php|work=International Herald Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061127075356/http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/11/21/sports/SWIM.php|archive-date=27 November 2006|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following his retirement, head coach of the US men's swimming team [[Bob Bowman (coach)|Bob Bowman]]—who also mentors [[Michael Phelps]]—called Thorpe "the greatest middle-distance swimmer of all time and...the greatest relay swimmer I have seen".<ref name=ret/> Bowman further cited Thorpe's ability to raise the profile and popularity of swimming, noting that Phelps' public image was modelled on that of the Australian. [[Australian Olympic Committee]] President [[John Coates (sports administrator)|John Coates]] stated that "In 50 years from now Australians will still marvel at the feats of Ian Thorpe".<ref name=ret/> [[Dawn Fraser]], the first of only two swimmers to win the same Olympic event three times, said that Thorpe was the "greatest [freestyle] swimmer in the world",<ref name="iht.com"/><ref name=ret/> and lamented that he would not be attempting a hat-trick of 400&nbsp;m titles.<ref name="iht.com"/><ref name=ret>{{cite news|first=Nicole|last=Jeffery|title=World bids adieu to pool pioneer|date=22 November 2006|access-date=22 November 2006|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20799152-2722,00.html|work=The Australian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918123434/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20799152-2722,00.html|archive-date=18 September 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Honours==
[[File:Thorpe Plaque in Olympic Parc Sydney.JPG|thumb|300px|Plaque of Ian Thorpe Outside [[Sydney International Aquatic Centre|Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre]].]]

Aside from his swimming achievements, Thorpe has received numerous honours and accolades during his life, including:
*2000: [[Young Australian of the Year]]<ref name="YAOTY"/>
*2000: The [[Australian Sports Medal]] as "Commonwealth Games Pan Pacific World Record Holder".<ref>{{cite web |title=Mr Ian James THORPE – Australian Sports Medal |url=https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/976796 |website=Australian Honours Search Facility |publisher=Australian Government |access-date=13 March 2021 |date= 23 June 2000 |quote=Commonwealth Games Pan Pacs World Record Holder}}</ref>
*2001: Awarded [[Medal of the Order of Australia]] (OAM) for service to sport as a gold medallist at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.<ref>{{cite web|title=THORPE, Ian James|url=https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/887209|publisher=itsanhonour.gov.au|access-date=28 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050659/https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/887209|archive-date=15 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
*2001: The [[Centenary Medal]] for "service to Australian society through the sport of swimming".<ref>{{cite web |title=Mr Ian James THORPE – Centenary Medal |url=https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1126290 |website=Australian Honours Search Facility |publisher=Australian Government |access-date=13 March 2021 |date=1 January 2001 |quote=For service to Australian society through the sport of swimming}}</ref>
*2007: [[Ian Thorpe Aquatic and Fitness Centre]] in [[Ultimo, New South Wales|Ultimo]], Sydney named in his honour.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Narushima|first1=Yuko|title=Fish out of water Thorpe resists wetting toes|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/fish-out-of-water-thorpe-resists-wetting-toes/2007/11/26/1196036812317.html|access-date=28 July 2014|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=27 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006235141/http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/fish-out-of-water-thorpe-resists-wetting-toes/2007/11/26/1196036812317.html|archive-date=6 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
*2012: Awarded [[Human Rights Medal (Australia)|Human Rights Medal]] for his charity work with Indigenous children.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ian Thorpe wins human rights award|newspaper=ABC News |date=10 December 2012 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-10/ian-thorpe-wins-human-rights-award/4419242|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=28 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723180017/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-10/ian-thorpe-wins-human-rights-award/4419242|archive-date=23 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
*2013: Conferred an honorary [[Doctor of Letters]] by the [[University of Western Sydney]] for his support for health and education services for Indigenous youth.<ref>{{cite web|title=Swimmer Ian Thorpe collects honorary doctorate|url=http://www.uws.edu.au/newscentre/news_centre/more_news_stories/swimmer_ian_thorpe_collects_honorary_doctorate|website=uws.edu.au|access-date=28 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809064647/http://www.uws.edu.au/newscentre/news_centre/more_news_stories/swimmer_ian_thorpe_collects_honorary_doctorate|archive-date=9 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
*2014: Conferred an honorary [[Doctor of Letters]] by the [[Macquarie University]] in recognition of his extraordinary contribution for the sport, philanthropy and Indigenous rights.<ref name="University">
{{cite web|title=Ian Thorpe receives honorary doctorate of letters|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/01/ian-thorpe-honorary-doctorate-macquarie-university|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=30 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141002193542/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/01/ian-thorpe-honorary-doctorate-macquarie-university|archive-date=2 October 2014|url-status=live}}
</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-06-10 |title=Ian Thorpe OAM receives honorary doctorate |url=https://lighthouse.mq.edu.au/media-releases/ian-thorpe-oam-receives-honorary-doctorate |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=The Lighthouse |language=en-au}}</ref>
*2019: Advanced to [[Member of the Order of Australia]] (AM) in recognition of his "significant service to youth and Indigenous education through charitable initiatives, and to swimming."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/honours/ad/ad2019/xklw-03mcv/Media%20Notes%20-%20AM%20(M%20-Z).pdf|title=Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia (M–Z)|work=Australia Day 2019 Honours List|publisher=Office of the Governor-General of Australia|access-date=27 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315012817/https://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/honours/ad/ad2019/xklw-03mcv/Media%20Notes%20-%20AM%20(M%20-Z).pdf|archive-date=15 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*2022: [[Swimming Australia Hall of Fame]] inaugural inductee.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hanson |first=Ian |date=28 August 2022 |title=Ian Thorpe, Dawn Fraser and Shane Gould Among First Inductees Into Swimming Australia Hall Of Fame |url=https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/ian-thorpe-dawn-fraser-and-shane-gould-among-first-inductees-into-swimming-australia-hall-of-fame// |access-date=29 August 2022 |website=Swimming World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Legends Headline Inaugural Hall of Fame Class |url=https://www.swimming.org.au/articles/legends-headline-inaugural-hall-of-fame-class |access-date=2023-09-11}}</ref>

==Post-swimming career==
Thorpe presented a two-part television documentary called ''Bullied'' on [[ABC Television (Australian TV network)|ABC Television]], using hidden-camera footage to give a victim's-eye-view of bullying. It aired 14 March 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Buckmaster|first1=Luke|title=Ian Thorpe on bullying, depression and athletes' mental health|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/mar/01/ian-thorpe-on-bullying-depression-and-athletes-mental-health|access-date=10 March 2017|work=[[The Guardian]] |date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309134842/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/mar/01/ian-thorpe-on-bullying-depression-and-athletes-mental-health|archive-date=9 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Thomas|first1=Sarah|title=Ian Thorpe steps up for desperate young victims in ABC documentary Bullied|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/ian-thorpe-steps-up-for-desperate-young-victims-in-abc-documentary-bullied-20170306-guro27.html|access-date=10 March 2017|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=6 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312124958/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/ian-thorpe-steps-up-for-desperate-young-victims-in-abc-documentary-bullied-20170306-guro27.html|archive-date=12 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Ian Thorpe takes on bullying for ABC|url=https://tv.press.abc.net.au/ian-thorpe-takes-on-bullying-for-abc|publisher=ABC Media Room|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423122633/http://tv.press.abc.net.au/ian-thorpe-takes-on-bullying-for-abc|archive-date=23 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, Thorpe competed in [[Celebrity MasterChef Australia (series 2)]] and was fourth to be eliminated.<ref>{{cite news|title=RECAP: IAN THORPE'S EASTERN MESS GOES SOUTH ON CELEBRITY MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA|url=https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2021/11/08/recap-ian-thorpes-eastern-mess-goes-south-on-celebrity-masterchef-australia/|access-date=13 January 2022|work=TV Blackbox|date=8 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Episode #2.11 |date=2021-11-14 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15881494/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |series=Celebrity MasterChef Australia |others=Andy Allen, Melissa Leong, Jock Zonfrillo}}</ref> During the series, the judges referred to Thorpe having written two cookbooks, "Cook For Your Life", published in 2011 and "Eat Well Now", released in 2016.

==Personal life==

===Sexuality===
In a July 2014 televised interview with British talk show host [[Michael Parkinson]], Thorpe [[coming out|came out]] as gay, after years of denying his homosexuality publicly.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=318-320}}</ref><ref name="magnetic"/><ref>{{cite news |first = Jacquelin |last = Magnay |author-link = Jacquelin Magnay |title = Thorpe straight as the line on the bottom of the pool |url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/11/17/1037490052340.html |work =[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date = 18 November 2002 |access-date = 10 November 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071025052133/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/11/17/1037490052340.html |archive-date = 25 October 2007 |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/13/sports/ian-thorpe-star-for-australia-in-olympics-says-hes-gay.html |title=Ian Thorpe, Swimming Star for Australia in Olympics, Says He Is Gay |date=12 July 2014 |access-date=12 July 2014 |work=The New York Times |first=Karen |last=Crouse |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713030929/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/13/sports/ian-thorpe-star-for-australia-in-olympics-says-hes-gay.html |archive-date=13 July 2014 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/10261690/Aussie-swimmer-Ian-Thorpe-reveals-he-is-gay |title= Aussie swimmer Ian Thorpe reveals he is gay |work= [[Stuff.co.nz]] |date= 13 July 2014 |access-date= 13 July 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140712190554/http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/10261690/Aussie-swimmer-Ian-Thorpe-reveals-he-is-gay |archive-date= 12 July 2014 |url-status= live}}</ref> He stated "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." He added "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."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-13/ian-thorpe-to-reveal-he-is-gay-in-michael-parkinson-interview/5592626|title=Ian Thorpe reveals he is gay, describes struggle with depression in tell-all interview with Sir Michael Parkinson|date=13 July 2014|access-date=13 July 2014|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713020027/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-13/ian-thorpe-to-reveal-he-is-gay-in-michael-parkinson-interview/5592626|archive-date=13 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/former-olympic-swimming-champion-ian-thorpe-reveals-hes-gay-to-michael-parkinson-in-channel-10-interview/story-e6frfmyi-1226987436818|title=Former Olympic swimming champion Ian Thorpe reveals he's gay to Michael Parkinson in Channel 10 interview|author=Charlotte Willis|date=13 July 2014|access-date=13 July 2014|publisher=[[News.com.au]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714055704/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/former-olympic-swimming-champion-ian-thorpe-reveals-hes-gay-to-michael-parkinson-in-channel-10-interview/story-e6frfmyi-1226987436818|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016 he began dating model Ryan Channing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/confidential/perth-model-ryan-channing-and-olympian-ian-thorpe-set-for-paris-move/news-story/aab106075a86189557a283b161335365 |title=Perth model Ryan Channing and Olympian Ian Thorpe set for Paris move |access-date=23 May 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221225114/http://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/confidential/perth-model-ryan-channing-and-olympian-ian-thorpe-set-for-paris-move/news-story/aab106075a86189557a283b161335365 |archive-date=21 February 2017 |author=Parri, Linda | date=20 November 2016 | website=PerthNow}}</ref> In December 2017, he said he did not plan to marry his boyfriend "any time soon".<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/ian-thorpe-has-no-intentions-to-get-married-anytime-soon-after-samesex-marriage-was-legalised/news-story/d3783d6b6048b72d744660a19f4e9dbf |title=Ian Thorpe has no intentions to get married anytime soon after same-sex marriage was legalised |author=Harris, Chris|work=Daily Telegraph|date= 9 December 2017|access-date=9 December 2017 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> He would like to become a father.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.pressreader.com/australia/womans-day-australia/20171204/281758449614642|title= Thorpie's baby joy!|work= Womans Day|date= 4 December 2017|access-date= 9 December 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171209203835/https://www.pressreader.com/australia/womans-day-australia/20171204/281758449614642|archive-date= 9 December 2017|url-status= live}}</ref> In June 2019, Thorpe split with Channing.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 June 2019|title=Ian Thorpe and Ryan Channing confirm their relationship has ended|url=https://www.outinperth.com/ian-thorpe-and-ryan-channing-confirm-their-relationship-has-ended/|access-date=3 July 2020|website=OUTInPerth – LGBTIQ News and Culture}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-29 |title=Thorpe 'splits' from Perth beau |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-gossip/ian-thorpe-splits-from-perths-ryan-channing-ng-b881245382z |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=PerthNow |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The real reason behind Ian Thorpe and Ryan Channing's shock split |url=https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celeb-news/ian-thorpe-ryan-channing-break-up-56881 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Now To Love |date=7 July 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Channing later died in [[Bali]], [[Indonesia]] in May 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|date=11 May 2022|title=Ian Thorpe's former partner Ryan Channing dies in Bali|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/celebrity/ian-thorpe-s-former-partner-ryan-channing-dies-in-bali-20220511-p5akgv.html|access-date=28 January 2023|website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-11 |title=Aussie sporting legend's ex-partner dies in Bali |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/ian-thorpes-ex-partner-ryan-channing-dies-in-bali/3KNTWW5R2RFRLZDRVK7TPV6MGQ/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |language=en-NZ}}</ref>

In September 2020, the [[International Olympic Committee]] published a question and answer format interview with Thorpe, which touched on his [[sexual orientation]] and some of the challenges he faced due to his [[homosexuality]] in competitive [[Swimming (sport)|swimming]].<ref name="Tulloch30Sep2020">Tulloch, Ash (30 September 2020). [https://olympics.com/en/featured-news/ian-thorpe-sydney-2000-ceremony-swimming-future "Exclusive Q&A: Ian Thorpe on Sydney 2000, coming out, and who to look out for at Tokyo Olympics"]. ''[[International Olympic Committee]]''. Retrieved 18 July 2021.</ref>

===Activism===
In the lead up to the [[Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey]], Thorpe campaigned for a 'yes' vote, encouraging people to enroll to vote at the [[City2Surf (Sydney)|City2Surf]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=McKinnell|first1=Jamie|title=Ian Thorpe joins campaign for marriage equality|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/ian-thorpe-joins-campaign-for-marriage-equality-20170812-gxv0on.html|access-date=29 August 2017|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=13 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829100233/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/ian-thorpe-joins-campaign-for-marriage-equality-20170812-gxv0on.html|archive-date=29 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> He later appeared in a campaign advertisement with his partner saying Thorpe could update his electoral details faster than he could swim 100 metres.<ref>{{cite news|title=Olympian Ian Thorpe races his scantily clad boyfriend for marriage equality|url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/olympian-ian-thorpe-races-his-boyfriend-for-marriage-equality/|access-date=29 August 2017|work=[[Gay Star News]]|date=21 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829082824/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/olympian-ian-thorpe-races-his-boyfriend-for-marriage-equality/|archive-date=29 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Sponsorship===
[[File:Ian Thorpe on a plane.jpg|thumb|300px|Thorpe (left) with fans in 2000.|alt=A young man is at left wearing a tight grey T-shirt with white sleeves, with "French Connection" across his chest. He has short hair and is wearing elliptical glasses. In the centre is a boy with very short black hair in a green T-shirt, and to the right is a young girl with pigtails wearing a blue coat. They are posing on an aeroplane.]]

Thorpe is known for his interests in fashion, and serves as an ambassador for [[Armani]],<ref name="dyk"/><ref name=s113/> and has his own line of designer jewellery and underwear.<ref name=s113/> During his career, Thorpe was one of the most prominent and popular sportspeople in Australia. Despite competing in a sport in which the vast majority of international athletes' earnings are below the poverty line,<ref name="spons"/> marketing surveys consistently ranked Thorpe as the most sought-after Australian athlete for sponsorship deals, surpassing footballers who compete on a weekly basis in much larger stadia.<ref name="spons">{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=i}}</ref> Aside from his swimsuit sponsor [[Adidas]], Thorpe was sponsored by Australian corporate giants such as [[Qantas]], [[Telstra]], and the [[Seven Network]].<ref name="magnetic">{{cite news|first = Chloe|last = Saltau|title = The magnetic Mr Thorpe|url = http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/07/27/1059244481899.html|work = The Age|location = Australia|date = 28 July 2003|access-date = 16 November 2006|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071012055343/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/07/27/1059244481899.html|archive-date = 12 October 2007|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=90, 140, 168}}</ref>

Thorpe's interests in fashion and culture led him to make frequent visits to New York City—which he describes as a second home—often for engagements with Armani and particularly because of the city's status as a global fashion capital.<ref name=dyk/><ref name=s113>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=113}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.languagemonitor.com/category/fashion/fashion-capitals/ |title=New York retakes Top Global Fashion Capital Title from London, edging past Paris |publisher=Languagemonitor.com |access-date=26 May 2014 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423211506/http://www.languagemonitor.com/category/fashion/fashion-capitals/ |archive-date=23 April 2014 }}</ref> He was present at the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]] on the morning of 11 September 2001, having stopped there on his jog, before returning to his hotel after forgetting his camera.<ref name="dyk"/><ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|pages=114–115}}</ref> It was during this trip that he appeared on ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno]]'', which was notable because of the relative lack of interest in competitive swimming in America.<ref name=s113/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=280-281}}</ref> Thorpe later became a spokesperson for the unsuccessful [[New York City 2012 Olympic bid|New York bid]] for the [[2012 Summer Olympics]], even promising to continue his career until the games if New York won the hosting rights.<ref>{{cite news |first = Jacquelin |last = Magnay |author-link = Jacquelin Magnay |title = Ian Thorpe 'to rescue NY Olympic dream' |url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/sport/ian-thorpe-to-rescue-ny-olympic-dream/2005/07/04/1120329384268.html |work = The Age |location = Australia |date = 5 July 2005 |access-date = 10 November 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070112205748/http://www.theage.com.au/news/sport/ian-thorpe-to-rescue-ny-olympic-dream/2005/07/04/1120329384268.html |archive-date = 12 January 2007 |url-status = live }}</ref> Thorpe's interests have also seen him involved in television. In 2002, he played the lead role in the reality television show ''[[Undercover Angels]]'', which imitated the ''[[Charlie's Angels]]'' series. In the program, Thorpe directed three young women who performed good deeds for people in need.<ref name=s113/> Although it averaged more than a million viewers per episode, it was widely panned by critics.<ref name="magnetic"/><ref name=s113/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=294-295}}</ref> Thorpe has also appeared as an extra in the American sitcom ''[[Friends]]''.<ref name="dyk"/><ref name=s113/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=244}}</ref>

Thorpe is widely popular in Asia, particularly Japan. In 2000, [[TV Asahi]] identified him as the swimmer likely to be the most successful at the 2001 World Championships in Fukuoka, so they selected him as the event's marketing figurehead. In the lead-up, Thorpe visited Japan to promote Asahi in a series of television events,<ref name="gsiprofile"/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=236, 249, 257–260}}</ref> and upon returning for the competition, he was mobbed at the airport by youthful crowds 25&nbsp;m deep; hundreds camped outside the Australian team's hotel.<ref name=hj/><ref>Swanton, pp. 117, 120.</ref> He was also praised by older sections of Japanese society as a role model for youth, due to what they interpreted as his humility and work ethic.<ref name="magnetic"/><ref name=hj>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=264–265, 275–276}}</ref> It was estimated that more than 80% of the Japanese public watched his races on television.<ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=120}}</ref> In 2002, in the wake of a tourism slump after 11 September terrorist attacks, Thorpe agreed to be an ambassador for the [[Australian Tourism Commission]] in Japan. The high-profile campaign included a meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister [[Junichiro Koizumi]]. The marketing drive resulted in an upturn in Japanese tourism to Australia, which was credited to Thorpe.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=292-293}}</ref><ref name=sea>{{cite news |first = Paul |last = McIntyre |title = Seafood campaign tests Thorpe's pulling power |url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/07/1089000223836.html?from=storylhs |work =[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date = 8 July 2004 |access-date = 16 November 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060828000400/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/07/1089000223836.html?from=storylhs |archive-date = 28 August 2006 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last= Hockey | first= Joe| author-link= Joe Hockey |title=Ian Thorpe&nbsp;– Australia's First Holiday Ambassador in Japan |url = http://minister.industry.gov.au/index.cfm?event=object.showContent&objectID=EDC62CAE-FB97-40EE-B7B30CFAA2CC7A91 |publisher=[[Government of Australia]] |date = 25 February 2002 |access-date =22 November 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070914183239/http://www.minister.industry.gov.au/index.cfm?event=object.showContent&objectID=EDC62CAE-FB97-40EE-B7B30CFAA2CC7A91 |archive-date = 14 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=142}}</ref> In 2005, [[Yakult]] released a 'Thorpedo' energy drink—which featured a picture of the swimmer on the bottle—in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yakult to sell Ian Thorpe sports drink |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2005/12/16/business/yakult-to-sell-thorpes-sports-drink/#.UiTG6n8o_s0 |work=[[Japan Today]] |date=16 December 2005 |access-date=22 March 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095813/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2005/12/16/business/yakult-to-sell-thorpes-sports-drink/#.UiTG6n8o_s0 |archive-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live  }}</ref> This was part of an equity deal with the [[So Natural (brand)|So Natural]] food group, in which Thorpe was given a 5% stake in the company—at the time worth A$1.1&nbsp;m—in return for the use of his name and image on their products. The 15-year deal covers East and Southeast Asia and Thorpe's share in the venture could increase to 50% depending on its success.<ref name=sea/><ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=350-351}}</ref>

===Philanthropy===
[[File:Thorpe Freeman and McMullen.jpg|thumb|300px|Ian Thorpe, [[Cathy Freeman]] and [[Jeff McMullen]] were among some of the speakers at the ''Close the Gap'' launch.]]

More recently, Thorpe has also emerged as a philanthropist, starting the charity ''[[Ian Thorpe's Fountain for Youth]]'' in 2000.<ref>{{harv|Hunter|2004|page=248}}</ref><ref name=s114>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=114}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Heffernan |first=Madeleine |date=2015-02-04 |title=Ian Thorpe charity in liquidation |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/ian-thorpe-charity-in-liquidation-20150203-1353rt.html |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |language=en}}</ref> The organisation raises funds for research into childhood illnesses and sponsors a school in Beijing for orphaned children with disabilities.<ref name=hp/><ref>{{harv|Swanton|2002|page=148}}</ref> In addition, it works with [[The Fred Hollows Foundation]] to improve health standards and living conditions in [[Indigenous Australians|Australian aboriginal]] communities.<ref name="gsiprofile"/><ref name=hp>{{harv|Hunter|2004|pages=331–333}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hollows.org/content/TextOnly.aspx?s=168|title= Jeff McMullen|access-date=16 November 2006 |publisher=The Fred Hollows Foundation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820190338/http://www.hollows.org/content/TextOnly.aspx?s=168 |archive-date=20 August 2006}}</ref> Citing a wish to "...work directly with our Aboriginal partners and not compete for the meagre funding available from public and corporate donations" the organisation was [[liquidated]] in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Ian Thorpe charity in liquidation|url = http://www.smh.com.au/national/ian-thorpe-charity-in-liquidation-20150204-1353rt.html|access-date = 8 July 2015|work =[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |last = Heffernan|first = Madeline|date = 4 February 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150622071835/http://www.smh.com.au/national/ian-thorpe-charity-in-liquidation-20150204-1353rt.html|archive-date = 22 June 2015|url-status = live}}</ref>

===Depression===
In 2014, it was confirmed that Thorpe had been admitted to a rehabilitation clinic after neighbours found him dazed near his parents' [[Panania, New South Wales|Panania]] home. Thorpe was taken to Bankstown Hospital by police before being admitted to a rehabilitation clinic.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-02-03 |title=Ian Thorpe: Swimming star in rehab |url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/02/03/sport/ian-thorpe-swimming-depression-rehabilitation/index.html |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=[[CNN]] |language=en}}</ref> In his 2012 autobiography ''This is Me'', Thorpe stated he had considered suicide and had drunk 'huge quantities' of alcohol to deal with 'crippling depression'.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/swimming/ian-thorpe-admitted-to-rehabilitation-clinic-20140203-31x46.html |title=Ian Thorpe admitted to rehabilitation clinic |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=3 February 2014 |access-date=3 February 2014 |author=Carayannis, Michael |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203172232/http://www.smh.com.au/sport/swimming/ian-thorpe-admitted-to-rehabilitation-clinic-20140203-31x46.html |archive-date=3 February 2014 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2016-02-18 |title=Ian Thorpe: former Olympic champion's mental health issues began as a teenager |language=en-GB |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/18/ian-thorpe-former-olympic-champions-mental-health-issues-began-as-a-teenager |access-date=2023-09-11 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Thorpe reveals depression fight |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/swimming/19935433 |access-date=2023-09-11}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Olympics|LGBTQ}}

* ''[[Ian Thorpe: The Swimmer]]'', 2012 documentary
* [[Ian Thorpe and drug testing]]
* [[Ian Thorpe Aquatic and Fitness Centre]]
* [[LGBT athletes in the Olympics]]
* [[List of Australian Olympic medalists in swimming]]
* [[List of Commonwealth Games medallists in swimming (men)]]
* [[List of Olympic medalists in swimming (men)]]
* [[World record progression 200 metres freestyle]]
* [[World record progression 400 metres freestyle]]
* [[World record progression 800 metres freestyle]]
* [[World record progression 4 × 100 metres freestyle relay]]
* [[World record progression 4 × 200 metres freestyle relay]]

==Published works==
* {{cite book|author1=Thorpe, Ian|author2=Wainwright, Robert|title=This is Me|date=25 October 2012|publication-date=2012|publisher=Simon and Schuster Australia|isbn=978-1-4711-0122-9}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book
 | last =  Andrews | first = Malcolm
 |date=June 2000
 | title = Australia at the Olympics
 | location=Sydney, New South Wales
 | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC Books]]
 | isbn = 0-7333-0884-8
}}
* {{cite book
 | last= Hunter
 | first= Greg
 | title=Ian Thorpe: The Biography
 | publisher=[[Macmillan Publishers|MacMillan]]
 | isbn = 1-4050-3632-X
 | year=2004
 | location=Sydney, New South Wales}}
* {{cite book
 | last = Swanton | first = Will
 | year = 2002
 | title = Ian Thorpe Early Years
 | location = Melbourne, Victoria
 | publisher=[[Legend Books]]
 | isbn = 1-877096-12-1
 }}
* {{cite book
 | last = Talbot | first = Don
 | author-link = Don Talbot
 | last2 = Heads |first2=Ian|last3=Berry|first3=Kevin|author-link3=Kevin Berry
 | year = 2003
 | title = Talbot: Nothing But the Best
 | location = South Melbourne, Victoria
 | publisher=[[Lothian]]
 | isbn = 0-7344-0512-X
 }}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{World Aquatics}}
* {{Swimrankings}}
* {{AOC profile}}
* {{Olympics.com profile}}
* {{Olympedia}}
* {{CGF profile}}
* {{IMDb name}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-ach|rec}}
{{succession box|before=[[Kieren Perkins]]|title=[[World record progression 400 metres freestyle|Men's 400-metre freestyle<br/>world record holder (long course)]]|years=22 August 1999 – 26 July 2009|after=[[Paul Biedermann]]|rec}}
{{succession box|before=<br/>[[Grant Hackett]]<br/>[[Pieter van den Hoogenband]]|title=[[World record progression 200 metres freestyle|Men's 200-metre freestyle<br/>world record holder (long course)]]|years=23 August 1999 – 17 September 2000<br/>27 March 2001 – 27 March 2007|after=<br/>[[Pieter van den Hoogenband]]<br/>[[Michael Phelps]]|rec}}
{{succession box|before=[[Kieren Perkins]]|title=[[World record progression 800 metres freestyle|Men's 800-metre freestyle<br/>world record holder (long course)]]|years=26 March 2001 – 27 July 2005|after=[[Grant Hackett]]|rec}}
{{s-ach}}
{{succession box|title=[[List of Young Australian of the Year Award recipients|Young Australian of the Year]]|before=[[Bryan Gaensler]]|after=[[James Fitzpatrick (paediatrician)|James Fitzpatrick]]|years=2000}}
{{succession box|title=[[Swimming World Swimmers of the Year|''Swimming World''<br/>Swimmer of the Year]]|before=[[Michael Klim]]<br/>[[Pieter van den Hoogenband]] |after=[[Pieter van den Hoogenband]]<br/>[[Michael Phelps]]|years=1998–1999<br/>2001–2002}}
{{Succession box|title=[[Swimming World Swimmers of the Year|''Swimming World'' Pacific Rim<br/>Swimmer of the Year]]|before=[[Michael Klim]]<br/>[[Kosuke Kitajima]]|after=[[Kosuke Kitajima]]<br/>[[Grant Hackett]]|years=1998–2002 <br/>2004}}
{{s-end}}

{{Navboxes
|title = Ian Thorpe navigation templates
|list1 =
{{Footer Olympic Champions 200 m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer Olympic Champions 400 m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer Olympic Champions 4x100 m Freestyle Relay Men}}
{{Footer Olympic Champions 4x200 m Freestyle Relay Men}}
{{Footer World LC Champions 200m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer World LC Champions 400m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer World LC Champions 800m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer World LC Champions 4x100m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer World LC Champions 4x200m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer World LC Champions 4x100m Medley Men}}
{{Footer World SC Champions 200m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer World SC Champions 4x100m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer Pan Pacific Champions 100m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer Pan Pacific Champions 200m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer Pan Pacific Champions 400m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer Pan Pacific Champions 4x100m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer Pan Pacific Champions 4x200m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer Commonwealth Champions 100m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer Commonwealth Champions 200m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer Commonwealth Champions 400m Freestyle Men}}
{{Footer Commonwealth Champions 4x100m Freestyle Men}}
{{Young Australians of the Year}}
}}

{{Featured article}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Thorpe, Ian}}
[[Category:Ian Thorpe| ]]
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian writers]]
[[Category:Australian autobiographers]]
[[Category:Australian male freestyle swimmers]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games gold medallists for Australia]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games swimmers for Australia]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games gold medallists in swimming]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games silver medallists for Australia]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games silver medallists in swimming]]
[[Category:Competitors at the 2001 Goodwill Games]]
[[Category:Goodwill Games medalists in swimming]]
[[Category:Australian gay sportsmen]]
[[Category:Australian republicans]]
[[Category:LGBTQ swimmers]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 2000 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 2004 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Members of the Order of Australia]]
[[Category:Medalists at the FINA World Swimming Championships (25 m)]]
[[Category:Olympic bronze medalists for Australia]]
[[Category:Olympic gold medalists for Australia]]
[[Category:Olympic bronze medalists in swimming]]
[[Category:Olympic gold medalists in swimming]]
[[Category:Olympic silver medalists for Australia]]
[[Category:Olympic silver medalists in swimming]]
[[Category:Olympic swimmers for Australia]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Australian Sports Medal]]
[[Category:Swimmers at the 1998 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Swimmers at the 2000 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Swimmers at the 2002 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Swimmers at the 2004 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Swimmers from Sydney]]
[[Category:Sportsmen from New South Wales]]
[[Category:World Aquatics Championships medalists in swimming]]
[[Category:World record setters in swimming]]
[[Category:Writers from Sydney]]
[[Category:Sport Australia Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:Medallists at the 1998 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Medallists at the 2002 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen]]
[[Category:International Swimming Hall of Fame inductees]]