Ian Thorpe is adamant he is on track in his swimming comeback. The swimmer turned commentator is in Cannes at the MIPCOM entertainment market to promote the ABC documentary Ian Thorpe: The Swimmer.
Looking fit and very tanned, he said that he was determined to swim at the World Championships next year. He is heading home this week and plans to stay for several months and keep training. Thorpe has been based in Switzerland and training there. But he has just finished a special regime in Majorca, hence the deep tan. He says he has no regrets about aiming for but missing out on competing at the Olympics. "I love swimming, " he said. "The Olympics were only part of my decision to return." Now he has sights set firmly on Rio. He says going home is not going to interfere with his training. But he is is eager to catch up with family, friends - and his dogs. "I really miss my dogs," he says. "Everyone else I can talk to on the phone. But they just try to eat it." He is also chuffed that the ABC is looking to sell the documentary internationally. Yet he still seems humble about his role in its making. He insists on giving credit to all involved. "I gave up an executive producer role when the ABC came in because of the quality the ABC would bring," he says. "I am proud of the documentary . . . and how it shows me, even quite raw at times." It was tough to do he says as "it was taking the mask off and showing everyone what's there". He is optimistic it will sell into Asia where he is well known. It has already been sold to Discovery Italy plus in-flight showings with Emirates, BA, Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand. Thorpe is also coming to grips with his new-found fame as a commentator for the BBC during the Games. But it is not a career option - yet. "Maybe down the track," he said. "Now I am focused on what I love - swimming."
