What Happened To Ken Thorpe? Ian Thorpe Father Tribute and Family Tragedy Swimmer Had To Go Through
Ian recently revealed many exciting details about his life. He appeared on Channel 7’s This Is Your Life, discussing his family life.
The episode of This Is Your Life aired before the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Family Facts: What Happened To Ken Thorpe?
Ken Thorpe is the father of Ian Thorpe, the retired Australian swimmer. He was a promising cricketer who played at the junior levels.
Ian Thorpe’s dad represented the Bankstown District Cricket Club in Sydney’s district competition. He retired at the age of 26 years.
Despite being a talented batsman, Ken received paternal pressure. Thus, he was distracted from cricket and had to leave it.
In July 2014, Ian came out as gay, talking with British talk show host Michael Parkinson. The same year, Thorpe’s dad revealed that he had no idea that Ian was gay.
According to Ken Thorpe, the Olympic swimming champion had his family’s love and support after Ian revealed himself to them two weeks before the interview with Sir Michael Parkinson was recorded. Previously, Ian had denied his sexuality.
Speaking to 7News, Ken Thorpe said: “It was a shock because we never had any inclination that Ian was that inclined. God loves Ian, and we love Ian unconditionally, and we will support him.’
Where Are Ian Thorpe’s Parents Now?
Ian Thorpe’s parents, Ken and Margaret Thorpe, lived in their Panania home. However, they listed the property in 2018.
Ken and Margaret Thorpe had downsized from the four-bedroom, two-bathroom house on its 564 sq m block set in the inner southwest Sydney suburb.
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Ian Thorpe’s Went Through Many Tragedies
Ian Thorpe’s family was active in sports, although they had to endure many tough times.
Thorpe’s mom Margaret played A-grade netball, and she later became a school teacher. Similarly, his sister, Christina, was also a swimmer.
Like his older sister Christina, Thorpe wished to be able to swim. His allergy to chlorine, however, caused a delay at the beginning of his training. Similarly, he was overweight as a kid. He did not compete until the age of seven. But, he overcame and eventually became the youngest-ever individual male World Champion.
Thorpe’s swimming career went well. However, he suffered from many injuries. He could not qualify for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow due to a shoulder injury. The same year, Thorpe spent time at a rehabilitation clinic. He suffered from depression and was struggling with addiction issues.
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In May 2022, Thorpe stated that his boyfriend, Ryan Channing died in Bali. He described the incident as very tragic.
Channing’s cause of death was not public, but according to Indonesian police, the 32-year-old passed away from a prescription drug overdose.
