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@IanThorpe’s epic press conference fail

Anthony Sharwood

by Anthony Sharwood

03 Feb 05:55am

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Filed under: Ian Thorpe, London Olympics, Social Media, Sport, Swimming, Twitter

137 comments

Oddly-coloured, self-indulgent and attention-starved. That’s how Ian Thorpe came across at yesterday’s glitzy, jam-packed press conference.

As you can see from my facial expression, I really really hate all this attention. Pic: Gregg Porteous

Yesterday, I wrote glowing things about Thorpe. I couldn’t, and still can’t, say enough about his genuine, intelligent commitment to the welfare of indigenous Australians.

Then came his presser, where none other than the CEO of Virgin Blue announced Thorpe’s comeback to competitive swimming.

I’m going to say that one more time for emphasis, the way they do on talkback radio. The boss of an airline, not Thorpe himself, announced Thorpe’s comeback.

The twittersphere went nuts as the presser unfolded yesterday, and understandably so. @alphasport tweeted a beauty:

“When a sponsor announces your comeback, the corporatisation process is complete.”

Two of my favourite tweets came from former Olympic long jumper, now athletics commentator and PR man Dave Culbert.

On his @Culbert_Report twitter feed, Culbert wrote :

“Thorpe presser set to become historic PR fail lesson for all uni students. On so many levels. So many levels hard to know where to start.”

Followed by this gem:

“By the look of Thorpe’s orange face Jetstar would have been a better fit”

Melbourne Sports radio station SEN got into the spirit of things with this well-worded backhander:

“Is he going to compete for Australia or Virgin Blue?”

And if you were reading The Punch yesterday, you might have noted a few tweets by me on the sidebar of the website. Like this cheeky one:

“Official. Thorpe to undiscontinue his career. A tanning salon somewhere is going to be very very upset”

And this somewhat bitchy effort:

“Thorpey says he misses the competition. I think he misses the attention.”

And this one:

So #IanThorpe doesn’t want media attention, but does want the backing of the sponsors on the ad hoardings. That, friends, is hypocrisy

And there’s the crux of where this event got on the nose with so many people, a trend noted almost immediately online at The Australian.

Thorpe’s return announcement was stage-managed to a degree that makes Michael Clarke seem like a laissez faire easy-going knockabout dude with a disdain for publicity.

All the hype would have been totally fine were it not for one factor: Thorpe’s repeated vow that the hardest part about all this would be the focus, the limelight, the media attention.

“I have to accept that I have to deal with all of this [media attention] again,” he said.

“It is not something that I have wanted in my life for a long time. It will probably be the biggest deterrent for me to perform well.

“But my drive to perform at the London Olympics is bigger than how I feel about putting myself through this.”

Well, gee. Good to know Thorpe is willing to put up with the hype which he did everything in his power to beat up.

I wish Thorpe well. I really do. At his best, he is eloquent and impressive. Let’s just hope he keeps it real between now and London. Oh, and that he doesn’t fall into the pool at the Olympic trials next year.

By the way, it looks like The Punch was right yesterday in predicting he’d concentrate on the 100m and relays rather than his old events, the 200m and 400m freestyle.

Hey, Thorpey’s talking himself up. Why can’t we take a leaf?

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137 comments

Show oldest | newest first

    • S.L says:

      05:58am | 03/02/11

      Money and publicity were his motvation? Now why didn’t I think of that? Still if todays competitors can’t get around a guy that’s been retired for a few years it doesn’t say much for our current swimmers! Besides Thorpie is lucky he’s born Australian….. No other country puts swimmers on such lofty pedistals as we do. Even Michael Phelps admits outside of the Olympics he is anonymous in the USA…........

      Reply

    • RT says:

      10:40am | 03/02/11

      I think he deserves a lot of cash for the comeback…

      Think about risk v reward. He is taking a massive risk in this comeback as he may totally ruin his legacy if he fails. You also lose a bit of public respect.

      For some, the lure of cash and fame is too much to resist… he has always been a media tart.

    • facepalm says:

      03:01pm | 03/02/11

      Bloody hell RT, listen to yourself. You’re suggesting he deserves money simply because he’ll be completely stuffed if his comeback backfires? That he shouldn’t have to take responsibility for his failure to plan for his life after sport just because for a fleeting moment he was just so gosh-darned good at what he did? I’ve read some whoppers in my time RT, but your comment easily has to be one of the most moronic things I’ve ever read on The Punch.

    • Lee says:

      06:30pm | 03/02/11

      I think it makes sense.

      To take on such a massive risk to your reputation and what you will be remembered for, hell I’d want the big bucks to be rolling in for it too.

      He has nothing left to achieve in the pool, so there is no other reason to do it.

      Cutting through the crap of the sponsors, RT’s probably nailed it right on the head. Nowhere is it suggested that he is in financial strife, he just wants a bit more cash/fame and is willing to bet his place in history on it that he won’t roll snakeyes.

      Facepalm obvously doesn’t gamble much, or understand basic economics.

    • Edgarr says:

      05:26pm | 04/02/11

      Spot on facepalm…I don’t know what Lee and RT are smoking. Thorpe, his management and sponsors are clearly manipulating the public’s adoration of Thorpe to make more money.
      I understand economics and gambling just fine Lee, but I still don’t understand your argument. You say that because he has nothing left to achieve in the pool, and the only reason he is doing it is for the cash and the fame, then we should be accepting of his decision and throw bundles of cash at him?!? It’s his risk, and if he wants the rewards then he should get them for things that he has done, and not for getting Virginblue to make an announcement of something he might do in the future. Perhaps Thorpe should forget about swimming altogether and just make a career out of announcing and denouncing his return to swimming every six months. Why rely on real talent when you can get paid to take part in what is basically a massive advert.

    • Heather says:

      08:42am | 05/02/11

      You say he seserves a lot of cash or the comeback,  but then go on to say he has always been a media tart. 

      So are you with him or against? :-p

    • Reg says:

      06:09am | 03/02/11

      I just need to see those size 17 feet before I believe it.

      Reply

    • Retired Soldier says:

      06:51am | 03/02/11

      I have to accept that I have to deal with all of this [media attention] again,” he said. “It is not something that I have wanted in my life for a long time. It will probably be the biggest deterrent for me to perform well”. Does anyone really believe these statements ? Apart from the odd A List dinner or get together Thorpe has been a non entity for several years and no one has missed him. He has been exposed to big dollars and huge media since he came onto the swimming stage with the biggest feet in the country. I don’t believe for a second that he’s not in this comeback for the money and fame and if i’m wrong then why did Virgin Air announce his return to the pool. This bloke has not been completely honest and forthright about a number of issues in the past so why would we expect him to honest now in regard to his motives. As for the new skin colour, perhaps it makes him more popular the circles in which he is known to associate.

      Reply

    • officially over Thorpe! says:

      10:00am | 03/02/11

      @ Retired Solder: hit it on the head! I felt like Thorpe was trying to take us all for a fool during his media conference. I mean, to say ‘I have to accept that I have to deal with all of this [media attention] again’ in the same conference as saying that he wants to swim again because ‘i love performing’!!! one thing Aussie’s hate more than anything is someone that treats them like their stupid, and it’s even worst when it’s one of our own Aussie Olympic icons doing it!!!
      i WON’T support Thorpie because I seriously don’t like the guy. I don’t care how un-Australian that is, it is no more un-Australian then the racists in this country who turn their nose up at immigrants because they don’t like them!

    • Jake says:

      07:21am | 05/02/11

      Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

    • amused says:

      10:57pm | 05/02/11

      We bow to your superiority in this matter. I have a suggestion for you…....read your comment out loud to yourself before submitting, and then you can hear just how silly you sound. I really love the authority in your statement. You know nothing about this man, in fact none of you do. I bet you annoy the people where you work, so you take to the computer to voice your dumb opinions.

    • amused says:

      11:05pm | 05/02/11

      This is to retired soldier. I am glad you have retired, because just the thought of someone like you defending this country leaves me sick. You talk as if you know everthing about Thorpie. I doubt whether you know anything at all with that attitude.

    • Luke says:

      11:59pm | 05/02/11

      mate referencing your comment further down, you and i understand the values of a hero in a totally different context. I just want you to know that i understand where you are coming from. It is of no point to try and explain the context that you understand it to those that have not served. Hero is a “word” to them, and “saving your mates lives whilst sacrificing your own” to us.
      Most ex serving members feel the same way mate.

    • Macca says:

      07:01am | 03/02/11

      I’ll be convinced when he wins Gold again. Until then, let’s just focus on MJ Clarke.

      Reply

    • Richard says:

      11:51am | 03/02/11

      Clarke was superb last night, it was the first game of the summer where his outstanding contribution was the difference between the two teams. And in front of his home crowd as well, it was lovely.

    • Super D says:

      07:20am | 03/02/11

      I thought his admission that he thought his secret training mission would have been discovered within two weeks spoke volumes.  The fact that no one noticed until a likely leak from the Thorpe camp would indicate tht the publics fascination with the Thorpedo and hence potential endorsement income has waned significantly.

      While there is no doubt that Ian Thorpe had (has?) tremendous swimming talent it’s worth noting that back when he was a couple of seconds ahead of everyone he was the only one wearing those super swimsuits.  It will be interesting to actually see how he goes on a completely level playing field.

      Reply

    • Sammy says:

      11:14am | 03/02/11

      @SuperD, when he was competing he wasn’t wearing one of the swimsuits that have been recently banned by FINA. They came in after he retired… in fact his records that have been broken by others were done in the suits.
      Yes, he wore a full body suit, he was one of the few swimmers that did. However, it was not made of the material that caused the controversey. It was an Addidas suit that was made from the FastSkin material that Speedo was using.
      I don’t know if he can be compete on the same level again. But as with Hugeill… it will be awesome to see him try.

    • Andy says:

      06:08pm | 04/02/11

      Typical Australians all to happy to jump on a bashing bandwagon. The swimming community has known of his comeback to win a gold for australia in the relays in London for almost 6 months, there is nothing new about it. Just because its not reported on a news site doenst mean it hasnt happened. Its not Thorpe that has the most gain from all this with sponsors and the like its the Australian Olympic Committe and Swimming Australia. They have been knocking on his door ever since he retired, and they finally got him, when he feels he has a good chance of making a successful contribution. Does everyone forget Kieran Perkins did something very similar not too long ago?

    • Bri says:

      07:28am | 03/02/11

      It’s a real shame to see one of our swimming greats succumb to greed. Why else would you have the CEO of an airline introduce your comeback? But it is well known that ian Thorpe has money troubles, but its just a real shame that instead of coming back for a sport he loves, its more so got to do with the $$ endorsements he will get from companies like Virgin Blue.

      If Ian Thorpe truly wanted to make a comeback he would instead get behind the new generation of young swimmers, offer them support and even go for the job of coaching them.

      The Australian people and sports institutions should look down upon comebacks from people who have previously gone into retirement who are coming back just for the cash, because in the end their greed means any chance of a new generation of champion is dwindled.

      Meanwhile, its still sad that sports people such as this get millions in endorsements, yet our nurses, teachers, carers and community workers get constantly ignored and underpaid. It shows what kind of society we are.

      Reply

    • Retired Soldier says:

      07:57am | 03/02/11

      It won’t be long before the media and swimming fraternity are again referring to this bloke as a “hero”. He is not and never has been a hero but rather a spoilt kid who became a millionaire who was funded by Tax payers at the AIS.  Whilst I don’t take away his efforts in the pool, ,his private life tends to make a mockery of a real hero. Somehow I cannot imagine Thorpe charging into a machine gun post full of angry men to save his mates although he might do that to save his sponsors.

    • St. Michael says:

      12:43am | 04/02/11

      To be fair, I can’t visualise most members of the Australian armed services doing that, either.  Not everyone’s in the SAS.  Most will never go near a combat zone let alone fire the odd angry shot.  Let’s not give the title “hero” to more servicemen than deserve the title, either.

    • heyhey says:

      09:15pm | 04/02/11

      @Retired Soldier: Ian Thorpe actually never trained with the AIS.  I question whether you know anything about his personal history, but I very much doubt he was a ‘spoilt’ kid.  He went to a public high school, his sister also swam, and sending your children around the country for swimming meets because you want to encourage and foster their passions and talents (as most good parents do) is not a cheap exercise.  Swimming is an extremely tough sport, and to be successful in it requires many, many years of hard work (usually far more than any university degree, and a lot more hours per week training than studying, to put it into perspective).  I am neither here nor there about his comeback; it is his business and his livelihood, and the hard work he will need to do to avoid embarrassment makes me wince.  But your bitterness towards him does not appear to be justified, and it is really not fair.

    • Toxic Debt says:

      10:24pm | 04/02/11

      Nurses, teachers, carers and community workers are low skilled jobs that any one could do. They are in fact over paid for what they do.

    • elle1606 says:

      02:10pm | 05/02/11

      “Nurses, teachers, carers and community workers are low skilled jobs that any one could do. They are in fact over paid for what they do.”

      show some respect you piece of scum. i hope one day you’re withered up, demented, incontinent and have no one to change your dirty diaper because nurses give up because they are underpaid. and who the hell taught you to write?

      ever done a nursing or a teaching degree? low skill eh? yep, takes no real skill to keep someone alive when they’re knocking on death’s door.

    • Horthy says:

      07:48am | 03/02/11

      “I’m gonna ask the people, y’know, show some respect around what I’m gonna do”.

      Seriously? How about you show the Australian public some respect and quietly go about what you’re “gonna” do, get selected if you can, and if so represent Australia as someone with dignity. Why not? Oh that’s right, you’re out of coin.

      Reply

    • Thommo says:

      07:51am | 03/02/11

      Has he had Botox? His face looks all weird and stallone like

      Reply

    • shane says:

      07:51am | 03/02/11

      The guys presumably surrounded by sycophants and publicists all planning and plotting every inch of public appearances. How on Earth could they not see that the show they put on yesterday would be viewed as nothing but an attempt by an attention starved egotist seeking to recapture the spotlight and bump up the fees he can extract from sponsors for a few more years?

      My favourite part was the continuous rueful rubbing of his Jaffa coloured chin as if he’s reluctantly dragging himself back into “the spotlight” to save Australian swimming one last time.  This time its personal - And his rueful observation that every other Coles shopper will be snapping his every naughty junk food purchase to send to the gossip mags.

      I get mental images of Thorpe carefully pondering the ingredients label a pack of Nutri-grain, carefully positioned just so, illuminated by his soft Orange glow. Unsuspecting Coles customer checking his email a few feet away, surprised to be addressed by “the thorpeedo”, “I hope you’re not planning on sending that shot you just took of me carefully considering the essential ingredients contained in this breakfast of champions, necessary for every growing boy needs to become and iron man like me, to New Idea mate”.

      “ahhhh, sorry…..who are you?”

      “*chuckles*, its ok mate, I’m used to it, no need to be embarrassed. Just make sure they pay you for those shots, take it from me, you got to make every deal last”.

      *customer stands with quizzical, confused look, watching strange Orange man head off to accost women in uncle tobies isle.*

      “I told everyone to lie through their teeth” he says in exaggerated glee. 1. Nobody was asking if he was making a comeback, and 2. If they were, I suspect that he didn’t want them to say anything because it might affect the announcement agreement he had going with Virgin Blue.

      Reply

    • Dee says:

      08:05am | 03/02/11

      Thorpie needs a good lesson in humility, looks like he might get one!

      Reply

    • AdamC says:

      08:31am | 03/02/11

      He looks radioactive in that picture. If they had swicthed off the lights, would that face of his glow in the dark?

      In any event, I also wish him well. Thorpe is a great of Australian sport, who also breaks the mould of dumb, blokey Australian sports culture. Still, a failed comeback is a pretty tawdry way to end a glittering career. Hopefully, he’s still got it!

      Reply

    • Gaz of Darwin says:

      08:44am | 03/02/11

      The Annoying Orange - anyone ??

      Reply

    • Adam says:

      01:50pm | 03/02/11

      Agent Orange?

    • stephen says:

      08:51pm | 03/02/11

      Nup. Grilled cheese on toast.

    • Spanish Girl says:

      08:27pm | 04/02/11

      Oh, come on guys.  It was the nicest orange fake tan I’ve seen in a while and I’m sure you agree with me.

    • LMN says:

      04:34pm | 05/02/11

      Hey Apple!
      Yo Lemon, wassap!
      KNIFE!
      raspberry

    • Paul says:

      09:09am | 03/02/11

      Thorpe is a good businessman. The bucks (from Virgin) are already in the bank.  He will walk around with Virgin symbols on everything as he is filmed training, racing.  Doesn’t matter if he wins. He just has to have a press agent.

      Reply

    • Justin says:

      09:30am | 03/02/11

      OK, it wasn’t good, but it was no LeBron James “The Decision”.

      Reply

    • Punch says:

      01:59pm | 03/02/11

      Thats because unlike Thorpe, LeBron is relevant.

    • Keen Observer says:

      09:41am | 03/02/11

      OOMPA LOOMPA DOOMPADEE DEE
      IF YOU WANT THORPEY YOU HAVE TO PAY A FEE!

      Reply

    • tracy says:

      10:13am | 03/02/11

      i actually think he looks really out of it and dazed. which leads me to believe that he has been depressed and hasn’t got a clue how to live a normal life and in the event of fixing himself up he clings to the only thing he knows - swimming - and out come the sharks preying on his weakness. poor soul therapy might have done him better….

      Reply

    • amused says:

      10:54pm | 05/02/11

      Wow, bitch much. What a horrible person you are. I bet you know a lot about being dazed. Put down that water pipe and go away as I’m sure you don’t know what you are talking about, you silly person. I would have said woman, but Tracy is actually a boys name.

    • moi says:

      08:24am | 07/02/11

      I was thinking the same as tracy. how come none of the reporters have picked up on this obvious observation?

    • Ben says:

      10:21am | 03/02/11

      It’s going to be interesting if Thorpie makes the Olympics and then has to fly with the Aussie team on a QANTAS plane like they usually do! I’m not sure VB has thought that one through…

      Reply

    • Temerarious says:

      12:05pm | 03/02/11

      Seems like it is a foregone conclusion, considering the Virgin Blue CEO’s performance yesterday….“Hi, I’m from Qantas”!!! Oops.

    • Jacki says:

      10:29am | 03/02/11

      for Gods sake persecuting Ian Thorpe.
      He is our Greatest Swimmer EVER.
      He lives in the shire, has been here for over a year, and also training in the pool for 3 months…

      Get over it

      I bet you cheered him on

      Reply

    • Hamlyn says:

      05:08pm | 05/02/11

      Wow, glad to finally read something positive! Bad tan? So what? Sounds like a group of bitchy high school girls on here! It’s just because he doesnt fit that perfect public image, that makes him easy to pick on.  I really dont care who thinks sports stars are paid too much. Plenty of people are. The olympics get massive ratings, which rakes in cash for tv networks. Its the athletes who put in the long hours of training and suffer injuries etc. Sponsorship is a fact of life… get over it. There are probably a hundred easier ways to make money if thats his only motivation, than hours upon hours of training. I personally dont enter the water too often, but who knows how many kids are inspired by Thorpe and others. Learning to swim saves lives too. It just sounds like we are sending the message “dont try, cos you might fail” what happened to “have a go”? If hes good enough he’ll make it. If not at least he wont be left wondering if he could have.

    • anthony says:

      06:49am | 06/02/11

      finally someone who isnt buying into the typical lets bring down the tall poppy australian way, well said jacki

    • QE10 says:

      10:46am | 03/02/11

      Don’t let Gillard anywhere near him.  She jinxed the AFL Bulldogs.

      Reply

    • Steve says:

      11:11am | 03/02/11

      Jacki (post 10:29am)- Nope! did not cheer him on. Did not shed a tear when he won or lost. I did cheer on however the guy trying to cure cancer, the people who volunteered to assist flood victims. These people also got a healthy tan shifting tonnes of rubbish and also waded through water just like Thorpe - but alas - no big money deal - no fame - no fortune and in alot of cases NO INSURANCE.

      I dont care if the guy sinks to the bottom and never moves again. I want to see the people who have suffered get Virgin Blue deals and secret handshakes. The fact that he lives in the “shire” (his feet and orange face do make him look a bit like a hobbit )  means you can claim celebrity status for some pokey little town - big whoop! get the guy to find reliabel employment for every Indigenous Australian and fix the Indigenous health system and I will shake his hand.

      But he probably wont shake mine due to a sponsorship deal for each finger and a huge insurance policy on his “swimming hands” that will be paid out in full when he breaks even a nail….. and how many 100’s of people are currently battling to be paid for flood damage????

      Sport is a hyprocicy at the best of times, the fact that these jokers get paid so much, 1st rate and immediate medical and surgical attention and the “rock star” life while the rest of use suffer - sickens me.  Swim for your life like many people did in Toowoomba and then you can claim to be a swimmer. The fact that you can jump in a pool and splash about does not impress a lot of people. The resilience of some Australians to get back up when beaten down does impress - or are you trying to ride this wave as well with this “comeback”???

      Stay home Thorpey put your feet up and never enter the pool again - let some one else live their dream of being Olympian and stop “buying” your way back on the team through publicity. Don’t comeback - just go away.

      Reply

    • Neil says:

      04:45pm | 04/02/11

      Steve is a very angry man

    • amused says:

      11:00pm | 05/02/11

      Let me guess, you’re a volunteer or a life saver who has never been given praise or a simple thankyou for anything you have done for someone. And this bugs you. You want people to look at you and say ” Jeez, what a great guy, what a hero.” Guess you’re going to be waiting awhile, especially with that attitude. You moron.

    • Kathrine Grant says:

      09:51am | 07/02/11

      From Wikipedia:
      More recently, Thorpe has also emerged as a philanthropist, starting the Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for Youth in 2000. The organisation raises funds for research into childhood illnesses and sponsors a school in Beijing for orphaned children with disabilities. In addition, it works with The Fred Hollows Foundation to improve health standards and living conditions in Australian aboriginal communities.

      [edit] See also

    • Debbie says:

      11:17am | 03/02/11

      He must have eaten more carrots than bugs bunny to get that orange.

      Reply

    • amused says:

      11:02pm | 05/02/11

      What colour are you? Did it ever occur to you that the person who wrote this article has deliberately done something to the photo to make him look bad, just so his article would make more of an impact. Please send in a photo of yourself, I could do with a laugh.

    • Tiny Puppy says:

      11:18am | 03/02/11

      Give it up Thorpe.

      You are looking like a money grubbing would-be celeb who has an inflated view of his importance.  You have had your time.

      Reply

    • Traxster says:

      11:52am | 03/02/11

      OK…here we go with ‘the knockers’ again….......
      Jeez you guys give the man a chance will ya ?
      At least he’s going to have a go.
      I bet if he starts winning again you lot’ll be the first in line to lick his boots.

      Reply

    • Thommo says:

      10:19am | 05/02/11

      Why doesn’t he get a real job like the rest of us mere mortals?

    • Ben81 says:

      11:54am | 03/02/11

      Well he seems to be bringing out the usual internet knockers and haters, so hopefully he puts them in their place and doesn’t prove them right.  Someone like him must know what’s ahead and know whether he’s up to it though, good luck to him.

      Reply

    • Luke says:

      12:00pm | 03/02/11

      He’s a great swimmer, but he’s a show pony, always was and always will be.  His press conference made me want to puke. And not just me but the others who happened to be sitting in the lounge room watching it at the time.

      Reply

    • Janusz says:

      01:16pm | 03/02/11

      I’m a bit suspicious that he is hungry of real gold after a few failed enterprises.

      Reply

    • Julian says:

      01:38pm | 03/02/11

      I am not normally one for the sports articles, but this is gold. Particularly after the glowing column of just yesterday. It was like a proud mum off to see her son at a school show, and then he moons the audience, with the mum in the front row.

      Reply

    • Punch says:

      01:50pm | 03/02/11

      Apart from the rent-a-crowd and unlucky journo’s who were present at this press conference does anybody really care?

      Guy: “Hey see Thorpie is back”
      Girl: “Who the *&#k is Thorpie?”

      This guy is irrelevant and he will continue to be irrelevant because nobody really cares about swimming.  In fact I daresay most people loathe having to sit through “The Trials’ and all the other competitions run to get these guys to the (Insert International Competition here). 

      I might be the only naysayer in the room, but not drowning does not deserve reward in my opinion.  Otherwise Japanese tourists should be automatically disqualified!

      THE PUNCH.

      Reply

    • Seano says:

      02:41pm | 03/02/11

      The two biggest cringes for me was Thorpey saying some like he hasn’t wanted this attention in his life (so why not just go back to training on the QT) and the corporate talking head saying some like “he’s going to win many medals for us!”. Us who? Australia or Virgin Blue?

      Anyway I still wish him luck.

      Reply

    • JAG says:

      02:56pm | 03/02/11

      Its ok all ye haters.

      Corporate giants such as London 2012 & Virgin are on board. So you think you are better judges of sport ,celebrity & business than Lord Sebastian Coe & Richard Branson ?

      There was always enormous jealousy including the sportsworld -david?- about Thorpe’s celebrity status & pulling power.

      I still remember Thorpe & Condi Rice sitting in the stands together. Plus best mates with Heath Ledger.

      He was never was ordinary.

      Thats just how he is folkjs & you will never be.

      Reply

    • Mary Monica Roche says:

      03:14pm | 03/02/11

      If he was a Queenslander, he could spent 2011 swimming around in various floods firstly in Central Queensland, then South Queensland and Brisbane , and now in North Queensland.
      Happy Ground Hog Day, readers

      Reply

    • hot tub political machine says:

      03:28pm | 03/02/11

      The Thorpedo has a lot of credit in my goodwill bank. I will forget this.

      Reply

    • Nemo's friend says:

      03:46pm | 03/02/11

      1. It doesn’t matter why he’s coming back, as long as he’s motivated to win.
      2. He may be an attention-seeker but at least he doesn’t behave like NRL/AFL players who seem to be in a constant competition to see who can end up in jail first.
      3. With Australian sport in the state it is, we can’t really afford to turn our noses up at Thorpie.

      I say: let the Clown Fish swim!

      Reply

    • JAG says:

      05:13pm | 03/02/11

      GAME ON

      Whacky PR worked!

      Whoa immense international response. 52 headlines in French papers (they have a 200 -400 hope Yannick Agniel ) Headlines in all UK papers - Phelps” coach very happy -something to motivate a wavering Michael.

      World top 10 tweet.

      I would not give it an epic fail . Look & learn David Culbert.

      Reply

    • Harry Flashman says:

      06:29pm | 03/02/11

      A great athlete announces his return to his sport, and he has a sponsor. Nothing wrong with that. I don’t what you lot are all whinging about. I wish him luck.

      Reply

    • Greg says:

      07:51pm | 03/02/11

      thorpie come back is news - wannabe reporters offering opinions are not.

      Reply

    • Sheridan says:

      08:45pm | 03/02/11

      and I thought oranges grew on trees..

      Reply

    • Jason Kelly says:

      09:05pm | 03/02/11

      Despite the natural decency of giving a bloke a fair go, we just can’t help ourselves when it comes to cutting down a tall poppy. If Thorpie was a golfer or tennis player, nobody would have a single cynical word of criticism. Of course, we once adored him as our great young sporting hero, but now that he doesn’t need the fame, or the pain of the struggle, we are keen to jeer at his hopes to win a medal for our national team. Hey, it’s not as though we want medals, anyway.

      Reply

    • Horthy says:

      09:46pm | 03/02/11

      “Despite the natural decency of giving a bloke a fair go, we just can’t help ourselves when it comes to cutting down a tall poppy.”

      Yes we can.

      ” If Thorpie was a golfer or tennis player, nobody would have a single cynical word of criticism.”

      Yes we would.

      ” Of course, we once adored him as our great young sporting hero,”

      No we didn’t.

      ” but now that he doesn’t need the fame, or the pain of the struggle, we are keen to jeer at his hopes to win a medal for our national team.”

      That’s true.

      “Hey, it’s not as though we want medals, anyway.”

      Again, true: you finished on a high!

      Reply

    • Mick says:

      04:12pm | 04/02/11

      I’m sure in your mind this comment is pithy, decisive and insightful. It isn’t.

    • Spanish Girl says:

      08:36pm | 04/02/11

      You are right Mick, this comment isn’t pithy decisive or insightful.  It was frickin hilarious !!!

    • Daniel says:

      10:03pm | 03/02/11

      I only saw part of the interview. It was weird and bizzare and he did look like he missed the limelight. Then when the media turns its focus on him he will be p’d off with them.

      Reply

    • Jason Kelly says:

      10:56pm | 03/02/11

      Horthy:

      So, you’re not into sport. That’s OK, but you can still be a sport by allowing others to follow their star.

      Reply

    • notSue says:

      10:44am | 04/02/11

      Watch all the Thorpie- bashers jump on board the minute he wins another medal or breaks another record. Yeah, there’s something odd and awkward about him and sure, he’s being canny about the money (why wouldn’t he?) but he has been one of our greatest athletes and may well be again. I’ll laugh heartily when you all gush about his exploits in the not too distant future!

      Reply

    • Spanish Girl says:

      08:39pm | 04/02/11

      Yeah, I won’t be gushing over anything.  I’ve never been interested in swimming and I can’t see that changing any time soon.  Everyone is good at something and Thorpie is good at swimming.  I’m not impressed by that but neither am I going to bag the guy for it.

      I guess with me, it’s just Care Factor Nil.  I’m just having fun laughing at what people are posting here.

    • Mick says:

      03:55pm | 04/02/11

      Speaking of vanity - you quote your own tweets?

      Reply
    • Anthony Sharwood

      Anthony Sharwood says:

      04:52pm | 04/02/11

      I’m going to cop that on the chin and say Mick 1, Ant 0. I could mount some futile argument that it added to the piece but nup, Mick 1, Ant 0

    • Laura says:

      04:06pm | 04/02/11

      Wow. Too much time out of the limelight and in the UV light hey Thorpey?

      Reply

    • Ed says:

      04:59pm | 04/02/11

      Wow! How many Tweets of our own do you want to quote?! Looks like someone else is looking for attention too

      Reply
    • Anthony Sharwood

      Anthony Sharwood says:

      05:10pm | 04/02/11

      Commenters 2, Ant 0

    • El gato says:

      05:34pm | 04/02/11

      Please never use the phrases ‘Epic fail’ or Epic win’ in a title or headline again.

      Reply

    • Not a fake tan says:

      05:42pm | 04/02/11

      For all of those talking about his “Fake” tan, look a little closer. You can see the tan lines where his goggles sit.  This boy is working hard

      Reply

    • WAGirl says:

      06:25pm | 04/02/11

      they wear goggles in tanning studios to protect the eyes.

      Also good that he seems to have beaten his bad habits ;|

    • Peter says:

      07:45pm | 04/02/11

      haha, yeah tanning salon goggles.

    • Matt says:

      06:01pm | 04/02/11

      He doesn’t want to face the scrutiny about his sexuality and personal life again, is what I get out of that. I think he enjoys the attention otherwise.  Fair enough, I don’t see how anyone could enjoy being stalked by photographers all the time.

      Reply

    • Andrew says:

      06:13pm | 04/02/11

      Quoting yourself in an article is like referring to yourself in the third person. I may be old fashioned in thinking this, but to me, the article was the “fail”.

      Reply

    • Roger says:

      06:29pm | 04/02/11

      So, you’re a reporter, but you dont have a proper grasp of the english language? the word is “resume” not “undiscontinue” you muppet!

      Reply
    • Anthony Sharwood

      Anthony Sharwood says:

      09:03pm | 04/02/11

      Roger, Thorpe used the word “discontinue” instead of the more common word “retire” when he quit.

      Manufacturing the word “undiscontinue” was my subtle way of referring to that moment.

      Kermit the Frog out

    • Kathleen Uhlmann says:

      06:43pm | 04/02/11

      MY issue was not with his comeback. He can do what he wants.  I don’t care.  It was not with his over zealous tan—fake, sunbed, natural.  Don’t care.  It was with the fact that he held this press conference on the eve of a Cat 5 Cyclone bearing down on Nth Qld - it would have been no skin of his or anyone elses nose if he has postponed by 48 hours - IN FACT it would have added to the heavily stage managed spin factor and told people that he DIDN’T think he was the be all and end all of Australia.  As an Aussie living overseas - desparately trying to find any information on the cyclone with close friends living in Cairns and Townsville - I didn’t appreciate having to watch him on a live feed - not even mentioning the situation.  Not even saying to people ‘hey - I know there is a mammoth disaster going on up North right now - this was all arranged in advance and I apologise if it appears insensitive at this time’.  He lost my respect.  He appeared to have a little more maturity when he was younger - now?  I’ll say well done and full credit to him if he is successful in this comeback - but I won’t forget his selfishness.  AS was stated early on the article.  The corporatisation is complete.  He sold his heart as big as Phar Lap to the highest bidder.  I’ll stick with the heart of the ordinary Aussie thanks.

      Reply

    • Ian says:

      09:56pm | 04/02/11

      It was recorded the day before.

    • Rob Blyde says:

      06:59pm | 04/02/11

      The only problem is that Ian thorp is what he is and like him or not he has the ability to win and I missed him adding to the Aussie Medal count at the last olympic’s and can only say he should have considered this earlier but for the endorsments laking him in other directions , go thorpedo pleased to see you have flicked the knokers and you are going to do what you are good, no great at. As for the pitiful authur of this story get your ass to the nearest natural desaster and give some one who needs it a hand insted of knocking any one who presents a target. sorry about the spelling.

      Reply

    • Iain Mango says:

      07:11pm | 04/02/11

      He’s a professional sportsman.  So, given that, what is the issue if he is returning to sport to earn more money?

      If he went on the dole, you’d all scream blue murder.

      In any case, one really has to doubt if he is that short of cash.  He’s able to earn a very lucrative dollar on the after dinner speaking circut, both now and for the rest of his life if he needed bread on the table.

      Reply

    • Dave says:

      08:43pm | 04/02/11

      ...and the media were absolutely complicit in being the final piece of the whole PR sham. Sure the media don’t know what they are being fed until it happens, but when it turns into a free prime time advertisment maybe oneday someone will have the courage to pull the plug. As a consumer, my perception of Thorpe (the person) took a huge nosedive.

      1) The comeback…good for him if that is what he want’s, no critisism here.
      2) Doesn’t like the limelight?..Poorly timed and shows arrogant self importance to call the nation to attention while others are losing thier homes and livelihoods in disaster.
      3) Good luck Thorpey and the rest of our athletes who are giving their all for themselves and their country. Lets hope you don’t become like those certain female track drama queens (all drama and media, but no results).

      Reply

    • Chris says:

      08:44pm | 04/02/11

      Glad to hear he finally came out

      of retirement

      Reply

    • FloGo says:

      07:13pm | 05/02/11

      Hey Chris, that’s funnny!

    • Chris says:

      10:46am | 06/02/11

      I do my best, I thought it then heard it on the radio later that morning!!! He should just retire.

      go

      maybe west

      (I’m here all week!)

    • P R says:

      09:13pm | 04/02/11

      Stupid Article! You know who you are….maybe go back to University and try again.

      Reply

    • matt says:

      11:24pm | 04/02/11

      Sharwood, did you just quote your own tweet???

      Reply

    • Stephen says:

      01:18am | 05/02/11

      And for the biggest fail of them all ...Your unique type of journalism LOL

      Mate Austarlia is getting washed away, Egypt is just about to have it’s streets flooded with the blood innocent protesters and your on about some guys bloody orange tan. OMG raspberry

      But don’t get me wrong you are a 1000 times a better jurno than i would ever be smile

      Reply

    • greg says:

      06:39am | 05/02/11

      Vomit, bile and fantasy are the three words that summise Ian Thorpe in my view. He’s up there with Alan Jones as a world class revisionist historian in believing that his fat ass, ageing body and ora-bronze suntan can get him to London in time for a gold medal and more important experiences for the country.

      Reply

    • David says:

      07:27am | 05/02/11

      You’re a legend Thorpie! Stuff the jealous whinging vocal minority! Australia loves ya mate!!

      Reply

    • playnicekids says:

      08:05am | 05/02/11

      Just think about this: When you are at work, there are things that you have to do that you would rather not. The same, I think goes for Ian, where part of the bigger picture is doing what he is told by press agents and sponsors etc. I think its more of a reflection on his PR firm than him the way things transpired. Regardless, personal attacks are not justified.

      Reply

    • Fayza says:

      09:37am | 05/02/11

      Virgin Blue makes idiots of all Australians and Ian amongst them.  They smile widely whilst putting you in your seat on their airline and then proceed to treat you as a silly hostage armed only with a credit card to secure your release from unrelenting in your face advertising or hunger or thirst.  The New Face of Australia.

      Reply

    • Bec says:

      09:59am | 05/02/11

      Far out, I dont blame him for not wanting the media attention, he’s allready being scrutinized and critisised and picked over. What a bunch of bitches. Why cant we encourage the bloke? He’ll be our darling if he suceeds and we’ll claim him as one of our own with pride in our hearts. Good on him for giving it a go, he shows true aussie spirit. Im proud of him.

      Reply

    • SAW says:

      12:45pm | 05/02/11

      He didnt want the attention - but he called a press conference? Is it compulsory to have a pressconference to be a swimmer?

      Reply

    • Hamlyn says:

      05:28pm | 05/02/11

      Yes…if you want sponsorship! Then again he could always work at maccas when hes not training.

    • Dead Apricots Society says:

      12:46pm | 05/02/11

      Thorpie waffled on more than Rob Oakeshott!
      ps. Ant, a big fail 4 explaining that u were being subtle.

      Reply

    • Rob says:

      01:40pm | 05/02/11

      I got to watch most of it before the station I was watching switched to an Anna Bligh press conference instead. And, I have to say, as someone who loves Thorpie for what he’s done, he came across as a petulant prat for most of it. He had a really thinly disguised loathing for the media as a whole, and some of his sarcastic remarks came across really badly. I thought, “Wow, when did you turn into this, Ian?!?” Somebody get that boy some fresh media training, pronto.

      Reply

    • rb says:

      03:07pm | 05/02/11

      Why can’t Olympic athletes these days retire only once?

      Reply

    • Dufus says:

      03:08pm | 05/02/11

      This Article is “Epic Fail” and un-Australian.
      You knew it would bring out the trollers looking
      to throw out the hate lines.
      Why dont you go and grab a nice big cup of “Shut the @#4k up”.

      Reply

    • SJ says:

      05:36pm | 05/02/11

      Agreed Dufus.

      Another “Epic” moment , apart from the “fail”, is the “epic” double standard set by the writer of this article, spruiking his own “cheeky” tweet from yesterday - just in case we didn’t see it. Hang on…... change “tweet” to “tweets” .  Not one, but three zingers titled “cheeky”, “bitchy” and “this one” (obviously not worthy of a Punchy adverb),  the writer thought were deserving of another publication.

      Yes Mr Sharwood, you are very witty by your own admission. It appears that Thorpe isnt the only one who’s self indulgent and attention starved.

    • georgia says:

      04:05pm | 05/02/11

      It is well known in certain circles that Ian is on the comeback trail simply because he is on the verge of being broke.

      Reply

    • ben says:

      04:33pm | 05/02/11

      I can’t stand the guy.  He has been a media whore since day dot.  If he were a journo he’d probably quote his own tweets in his articles like a self indulgent twat (by twat i mean “one who tweets”)

      Reply
    • Anthony Sharwood

      Anthony Sharwood says:

      08:51pm | 05/02/11

      What did I learn at work today? I learned never to quote your own tweets cos that makes you a twat. I also learned that Ben has just coined a really clever word which I am going to steal and act like I invented, twat that I am

    • Cam says:

      04:48pm | 05/02/11

      All he does is swim…not like he or any other athlete does anything useful.

      Reply

    • sc says:

      05:17pm | 05/02/11

      “Attention-starved” is an understatement in Thorpe’s case

      Reply

    • Piggus Grippus says:

      06:22pm | 05/02/11

      Well said Anthony Sharwood, sometimes you have to stick you neck out to tell it how it is. Australians prefer their champions to be humble & gracious not to carry on like self promoting fake tanned phonies like Thorpe.

      Reply

    • Mattyd says:

      06:48pm | 05/02/11

      As an Australian i love my sport.
      We are a small nation but we have some amazing talent.
      Ian Thorpe was and is a superstar.
      He may be a little different but who cares.
      Most of us don’t know what it takes to beat the worlds best.
      In fact no-one commenting here does, me included.
      I saw the weird stuff in the interview as well. There is very much
      a PR machine at work for Ian. And so what.
      In the interview i looked passed the media stuff and looked for signs of motivation, determination, self confidence and even a little arrogance.
      This what it takes to beat the best so Check, Check, Check & Check.
      I even met Ian at LAX and he kindly had a photo taken with my daughter.
      When i first saw him i said, “Ian Thorpe”, and his response was, “I used to be”. His arm was in a sling which i remember thinking was odd as he had retired a couple of years before. This must be the fracture he had in his shoulder he spoke of at the interview. From his comments then and looking back now i believe (and other may not) that there was always a fire burning and a hope he might come back.
      Well here he is now. Our greatest Olympian ever. And he wants to have a go.
      Don’t we want to see him him smash Michael Phelps ?
      I do.
      Don’t we ant to see him inspire other swimmers ?
      I do.
      If he’s good enough then he should make the team and be given the opportunity at London. If your 15 or 50 and your the fastest then i, as an Aussie supporter want you to represent us.
      There wont be any free passes for Ian as there wont be for anyone else.
      Lets sit back and watch the next year or two and see what he can do.
      And go Australia in the London Olympics !

      Reply

    • FloGo says:

      07:15pm | 05/02/11

      You gotta love the TANDOORI TAN!

      Money is the motivator here - a New York appartment perhaps on the shopping list?

      Reply

    • steve says:

      08:13pm | 05/02/11

      i just saw it on youtube, oh my god he just loves the sound of his own voise

      Reply

    • give me a break says:

      08:28pm | 05/02/11

      what makes me gringe is the way Australians are seen overseas, as a bunch of whingers who put down their own sportsman and woman after they have done well. you lot need to get a life, what he does is his business

      Reply

    • amused says:

      10:46pm | 05/02/11

      I hope Ian is a strong man, emotionally I mean, because the attacks since he announced his come back have been quite mean spirited. Leave the guy to concentrate on his swimming. Stop putting him down. It’s his life, and if he wants to swim again then we should support him in this decision. What a bunch of whingers some Aussies are. Hey, stop being like the English. Be better than them.

      Reply

    • Tim says:

      11:35pm | 05/02/11

      Whilst I dislike Thorpe immensely…

      Calling someone “attention starved” and then re-quoting your own tweets just in case no one saw them the day before (or more likely, noone thought them worth retweeting) is a somewhat mild case of pot:kettle.

      You both suck. raspberry

      Reply

    • arty says:

      03:25am | 06/02/11

      One of the best swimmer ever decides to come out of retirement. Should he not try to put it all in motion and try to get some sponsors? Should he not accept the money that he could get? Maybe he is doing it to survive and so what?

      He has rights. On top of that he is a good person. Everyone should just be happy because we would rather have more people like him.

      Reply

    • Ray says:

      06:48am | 06/02/11

      Swimming is closely akin to watching paint dry or grass grow and is only followed by family and friends.  Sadly Thorpie you should just go away mate you have embarrased yourself.

      Reply

    • JOAN says:

      08:15am | 06/02/11

      The only things that want attention are the press.—-and youve got it. We should all love him for the things he has done for Australia. WHY ARE ALWAYS SUCH KNOCKERS!!!

      Reply

    • Spike says:

      08:37am | 06/02/11

      Wish the scruffy looking git would have a shave. Might knock half an hour off his best time

      Reply

    • Philip says:

      08:46am | 06/02/11

      Aging rock stars do comebacks for a little extra cash from the fans, and likewise aging swim stars to swimbacks for the sponsors’ cash. It’s all business, selling your commodity - talent.

      You would do the same.

      Reply

    • Ricky says:

      09:22am | 06/02/11

      Why “@IanThorpe” and not simply “Ian Thorpe”? If it’s a reference to the Twitter account by that name, it is clearly not the Thorpedo’s.

      Otherwise, good article. I’m one of those blokes who will watch just about any sport going, but I’m afraid, for me, swimming rates somewhere around tiddly-winks. Neither can I abide the personalities in swimming. Having made a name for himself in swimming already, I wish he’d just continued to focus on his philanthropic work, which is awesome.

      Reply

    • Thorp Schmorp says:

      10:09am | 06/02/11

      He is without doubt in the category of the wierdest of people, but I only have questions. Who is advising this man?.
      And what’s happened to all the millions he would have undoubtedly pocketed from his time at the top?
      What financial advice has he been taking?????
      What was with the pearl necklace and fashion phase?:-)
      Now, he’s willing to risk his name, and his legacy.
      Big mistake Thorpie…BIG mistake.

      Reply

    • bri says:

      10:15am | 06/02/11

      I really don’t care about what hidden agenda’s my be there for Thorpe so long as he wins a Gold Medal… and after so long out of the game and the arrival of Michael Phelps…is it even possible? but basically if we win more gold medals than the poms in their own country Id be delighted…this is also unlikely as the brit govt pours millions and millions into it’s Olympic campaign i mean look what they did in Beijing..hmmm well here’s hoping.

      Reply

    • chris says:

      11:05am | 06/02/11

      Have you won Gold for Australia?
      Ok then shut your cake hole.

      Reply

    • Real Australian says:

      03:17pm | 06/02/11

      I don’t know why I just don’t like try-hard sellouts

      Reply

    • Fed Up says:

      10:46am | 12/03/12

      I really admire Ian Thorpe, think he’s a great ambassador for this country and wish him all the best. Having stated that, however, I think Australians place way too much emphasis on sport and overrates sports persons generally. It dumbs us down and makes a mockery of us globally. I cringe when I hear people rave on about sports, as if it’s life or death. Pathetic, really and I suggest such people get a real life and priorities. The world has moved on to more important issues than sport.

      Reply
 
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