Ian Thorpe has turned heads with a striking new look as he stepped out alongside fellow Australian Olympians at a Brisbane 2032 event, with fans quick to notice the swimming legend’s apparent weight loss.
The five-time Olympic gold medallist appeared relaxed and upbeat as he took part in a panel discussion tied to the upcoming Games, dressed in a crisp white polo and speaking confidently in front of a branded Brisbane 2032 backdrop.
Thorpe, now 43, looked noticeably leaner compared to previous public appearances, with a sharper jawline and slimmer frame on display as he addressed the crowd while holding a microphone.
The former superstar, once known as the ‘Thorpedo’ during his dominant career in the pool, joined a host of decorated athletes lending their voices to discussions around the future of the Brisbane Olympics.
His appearance marks a stark contrast to recent years, with Thorpe previously opening up about his health, lifestyle and relationship with his body in a candid 2022 interview.
‘I feel better than I have in a long time,’ he said at the time, explaining that a renewed focus on routine, training and wellbeing had helped him regain both physical and mental balance.
Ian Thorpe poses with fellow Olympians Nina Kennedy and Jess Fox in Brisbane this week
Thorpe was in Queensland as part of a panel talking about the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games
Thorpe showed off his new lean frame after battling with his weight in recent years since turning 40
Thorpe also spoke about stepping away from the extremes of elite sport and finding a healthier middle ground, saying he no longer felt the need to chase the punishing standards that once defined his career.
‘I don’t need to be the athlete I was before,’ he said. ‘But I still want to feel strong, healthy and capable.’
That journey has not been without setbacks.
In 2024, Thorpe sparked concern when he was spotted in a wheelchair at the Olympic swimming trials in Brisbane after suffering an injury while filming a reality TV show.
Channel 7 captured images of the Australian icon being wheeled around the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, where he was working in his role as a commentator.
According to reports, the injury occurred during filming for Celebrity Amazing Race, where Thorpe competed alongside childhood friend Christian Miranda.
Despite the incident, Thorpe continued with his broadcasting duties throughout the trials, showing the same resilience that defined his sporting career.
‘We’re told Ian Thorpe is completely OK. But apparently the injury was a serious and painful one,’ 7News reporter Chris Reason said at the time.
Thorpe looks dramatically different today than he did in 2024 where he attended The Prelude To The Olympics at the Paris Olympics
Thorpe maintains a strict diet even though he is no longer competing in the pool anymore
Thorpe also had a setback when he was injured on the set of a reality television show
Back at this week’s Brisbane 2032 event, Thorpe appeared fully recovered and focused on the future, offering insight into what it takes to deliver a successful Olympic Games.
‘The pool’s basically been filled in, so you can’t use it at an appropriate height that wouldn’t be dangerous for young people warming up at a competition,’ Thorpe said.
He stressed that modern standards have evolved significantly since his own Olympic days.
‘The conditions now you need [to host elite competition are] two 50-metre pools in the same venue – that’s what the governing body says,’ he said.
Thorpe made it clear his role is to provide guidance rather than dictate decisions.
‘I don’t get to say what Brisbane does or doesn’t do, I can only advise on what’s best for the athletes and to try and provide the appropriate facilities that athletes will require – that the governing bodies require – during an Olympic Games,’ he said.
Thorpe also highlighted the importance of legacy planning for venues beyond the Games.
‘But also have the capacity to be able to move in size, what it looks like during and post-Olympic Games as well, so that it’s the right fit for Brisbane,’ he said.
Thorpe was joined by other high-profile Australian Olympians at the event, including canoeing champion Jess Fox, as preparations for the 2032 Games continue to gather momentum.
Fox echoed confidence in the planning process, saying: ‘Athletes want to be able to compete in the best conditions and in the best venues.
‘Athletes understand that those decisions lie with the organising committee, the government and the sporting bodies, and we can put on a great show. I know it’ll be the best conditions for everyone.’
The appearance comes amid ongoing debate surrounding key venue decisions, including the controversial proposal to host rowing and canoeing events on the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton.
