Ian Thorpe Talks Armed Stalker on ‘This is Your Life’

Out Australian swimming star, Ian Thorpe spoke about his run-in with an armed stalker during his appearance in Sunday’s Channel 7 reboot of This is Your Life. 

Thorpe also explained how his life changed forever, and in ways he never imagined, once he became famous. 

“My goal was to be an Olympian,” Thorpe told host Melissa Doyle. “My dream, which is very different, was to be an Olympic champion.

“So, I accomplished that at the Sydney Olympics. Then I started swimming again and what swimming had become was completely different.”

‘I Had Responsibilities Outside of The Pool’

He continued, “It had become more of a career where I had responsibilities outside of the pool. What I wanted to do was be able to train, be able to race. And the other things that come along with it, I wasn’t prepared for that.

“I had to learn from the police how to be able to drive a car to be able to get past a stalker or someone following me, legally.

“And I had stalkers, there was one with a gun. I had to have security at my house. Things kind of changed and I was not ready for that and I don’t think anyone in their early twenties could be.”

The premiere episode focused on the life of Thorpe through personal interviews as well as interviews with childhood friends, family, teachers, and celebrity guests. 

Celebrity guests included three-time Olympian Cathy Freeman, former Prime Minister John Howard, Olympic gold medallist Michael Klim, Olympic swimmer Grant Hackett, Dutch swimmer Pieter van den Hoogenband, former professional surfer Layne Beachley, sports commentator Bruce McAvaney, dual Olympian Geoff Huegill and media personalities Merrick and Rosso.

This season of This Is Your Life will see guests such as Chris Hemsworth, Hugh Jackman, Tina Arena, and Jessica Mauboy.

This Is Your Life has been around since 1975 with over 17 seasons.