Create an experience with Ian Thorpe

Ian Thorpe AM

Australian Olympic Icon, Mental Health Advocate & Corporate Speaker

Ian Thorpe AM is one of Australia's most decorated and revered athletes. Known globally as the "Thorpedo," he defined an era of swimming, winning five Olympic gold medals, 11 World Championship titles, and breaking 13 individual long-course world records.

While his legacy as a sporting champion is secure, Ian has transitioned into an equally influential role as a leading advocate for mental health and LGBTIQ+ rights, a respected sports commentator, and a compelling corporate speaker.

Current Endeavours (2025)

Today, Ian has parlayed his platform into a multifaceted career focused on advocacy, media, and shaping the future of Australian sport.

• Expert Commentator: A trusted and insightful voice, Ian was a key expert commentator for Nine's Wide World of Sports during its celebrated coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He also delighted audiences by competing with his childhood friend on The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition.

• Leading Advocate: Ian is a dedicated patron for several high-impact organisations. In late 2025, he was named the new patron for Equality Australia, championing the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community. He is also the long-standing patron for ReachOut, Australia's leading online mental health service for young people, and personally spearheads their annual "Laps for Life" fundraiser.

• Shaping the Future: Looking towards the next generation of sport, Ian was appointed in October 2025 to the official Athletes and Sports Advisory Group for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Brand Ambassador & Corporate Profile

Ian Thorpe's brand is built on trust, resilience, and high performance. He maintains a portfolio of long-term partnerships with prestigious global and Australian companies.

• Brand Endorsements: His ambassador roles include the luxury fashion house Armani, health and wellness brand Anthogenol, and telecommunications giant Optus, where he serves as a "Diversity and Inclusion Champion."

• Keynote Speaker & Q&A: Ian is an experienced and highly sought-after keynote speaker for corporate events, leadership summits, and private Q&A sessions. Drawing from his life under immense public pressure, he delivers powerful insights on:

  • Mental Health & Resilience in Leadership

  • Achieving and Maintaining High Performance

  • Overcoming Adversity & Building Purpose

  • The Power of Authentic Leadership & Diversity

Audience & Connection

Ian's unique journey allows him to connect authentically with an exceptionally broad audience:

• The Australian Public: He is a national icon who grew up in the public eye.

• Corporate Leaders: He is a credible voice on managing pressure, goal-setting, and building resilient teams.

• LGBTIQ+ Community: As one of the world's most prominent gay athletes, he is a powerful symbol of authentic advocacy.

• Youth & Mental Health Sector: His openness about his own struggles with depression has made him a vital and relatable figure in breaking down stigma.