Ian Thorpe poses at his 50 metre outdoor training pool in Switzerland. Picture: Patrick B. Kraemer Source: PerthNow
EDITOR-at-large Melissa Hoyer in London on Ian Thorpe: Great Britain's newest and biggest TV star ...
Look, yes, I am saying "look", because that is about the only word swimming enigma Ian Thorpe said that garnered criticism. As a major commentator on Great Britain's BBC's expert swimming team, Thorpie totally nailed his gig.
So why would the pucker BBC fly in an Aussie (and pay him a reported $10,000 a day) to cover swimming for the Olympics? well, because he is damn good, knows his stuff and refreshingly, was told so by most of GB. And what a relief is that to the usual, smug, tall-poppy crap that is sometimes thrown at him.
Even that online journal of record, Wales Online got in on the act: "Ian Thorpe is insightful, amicable, and knowledgeable. He and Sue Barker (former Olympian) are the dream team of Olympic pundits."
The Welsh Chronicle went on to say that Thorpie has the ultimate punditry weapons in his armory: "1. He can smile occasionally; 2. He?s funny; and 3. He makes fun of Mark Foster." (Foster, by the way is a ridiculously handsome silver fox former swimmer)
This all brings me that salient point: Why do some Australians "bag", either mildy or madly, anyone who gets an international gig, does it well and goes onto receive the appropriate accolades? Are we ever going to change?
Famous London based manager, producer and impressario, John Reid (he took Elton John amongst others from struggle street to serious stardom) is passionate in his praise for Thorpie.
"Ian Thorpe has been compelling on British television and has more than held his own with seasoned presenters like Gary Lineker with whom he had a distinctive rapport,'' Mr Reid told me.
"His clear sharp analysis of the competitions he witnessed, together with his charm and warmth endeared him to the British public in a way we haven't seen from an Australian commentator in some time.''
Even the UK's Daily Mail were positive in their praise, referring to Thorpie as the "go-to guy for swimming guff. Australian Ian Thorpe is the one performer who has utterly dominated the Games so far�- but not in the pool, on the BBC sofa."
Sure, the 29-year-old's on-air wardrobe choices garnered reaction, with a "chequerboard" sweater having Brit comedian Julian Clary tweeting that he was "very concerned" about the Thorpedo?s sartorial choices. Gawd, we're not watching Style Squad, Fashion Police or Australia's Next Top Model for God's sake!
Thorpie has always set his own fashion agenda: a pair of leather Armani pants he wore in Paris when he and I once viewed the French frock shows were nationally scrutinised as if they were determining our asylum seeking policy.
The way Thorpie explained James Magnussen's tip-of-the-fingers-touching-the-end-of-the pool scenario (the technical term for which I was told is called "bad touch") was insightful, clever, intelligent and even made swimming dummies get it.
Thorpie says he has worked harder here than in the pool: "Look. I get more sleep when I am competing," he said yesterday morning. "I have been sitting here for quite some time talking," he noted.
Other positive reactions to Thorpie's TV role (but let's please forget the ill-fated�Undercover Angels series he did on Australian TV) makes him "a very compelling sort of pundit. He looks like some gorgeous aquatic creature, with huge, oval eyes on either side of his head, which always seem to be wet. He wears strange clothes, usually two sizes too small. Yesterday, he was in a blazer which appeared to be made of leather or plastic, or perhaps a combination of both. Pleather?", said the Mail's amusing columnist, Jan Moir.
All of the commentary about Thorpie, it has been clever, funny, amusing but never downright nasty and vitriolic.
Yes, Thorpie has popped off his cossie and proved to be a great choice as a swimming commentator. Maybe a role in Home & Away beckons? Or hey, talent shows want big names with integrity on their judging panels now, maybe he'll join Kyle on Australia's Got Talent or Seal on The Voice ...?
What online 'commenters' are saying about Thorpie:
Ian Thorpe has proved to be a real hit for the Beeb. He is insightful and adds a dimension that Lineker never could. Not sure if the chemistry between them is OK as sense that something is not right. Ann, Somewhere in England.
As an Aussie living in the UK I am proud of Ian Thorpe's work. He is interesting, impartial and thoughtful and he is absolutely right about Ye Shiwen, we have no right to accuse her if her tests have been clear. Kanga, Norfolk UK.
The reason why so many lovely ladies like him and think he's fit is because he bats for the other side! I'm not being mean or derogatory about that at all, just wanted you all to know in case you didn't. Ben, Melbourne, Australia.
Ian Thorpe, Mark Foster, the incredible camera work in the swimming events, the fit bodies in the pool, I want the competition to go on forever! Sophie, Surrey.
Liking Thorpe a lot, he talks in an honest, intelligent and supportive manner, quite refreshing to listen to him. But he does say LOOK quite a bit! Lee, London England.
I am also enjoying watching and listening to Ian Thorpe and I love the way he says 'look' almost before every sentence! I think Ian Thorpe is proving to be the Olympics version of John McEnroe at Wimbledon. Yes, well done to whoever had the inspired idea of bringing him in as a commentator. Alice, Southampton.
LOVE HIM! Yes, the sweater was a bit dodgy but hey that's what men end up looking like when they try to go for a fashionable look. He's only 29, he'll learn. Hope he stays in Britain. I'd watch a lot more sport then. D. London.
THORPIE TWITTER GOLD:
@TheAmandaWoods: He's doing a brilliant job with swimming commentary on BBC (with Clare Balding). #Thorpie #London2012
@fingerbone: He's bloody fantastic @IanThorpe back in action #IanThorpe #Thorpie #Thorpey #Thorpedo
@GardensmartGuy: It's one of those things, men don't cry but at a time like this it's ok. #thorpie said it right. Great gold from SA!
@CarolynBarnabo: I remember when Ian Thorpe was an emerging teenage swimming sensation in Australia. Now an articulate BBC commentator. #Thorpie #London2012
@jenkerro: I think it must be pretty dark and cold and lonely in that fabulous wardrobe of his. #thorpie #london2012
@misspoppysmith: the other day he said "world crap" instead of "world cup" even though it was a slip of the tongue I was still proud! #thorpie
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