Ian Thorpe's Relationship Journey: From Fame to Friendship and Future Family Aspirations
Ian Thorpe, Australia's celebrated swimmer, has gained renewed public interest following his appearance on The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. After retiring in 2006 and a brief comeback in 2012, he navigated a significant relationship with model Ryan Channing, which began in 2015. Their amicable split in late 2019 led to a friendship, but tragedy struck with Ryan's passing in May 2022. Currently, Thorpe is single and expressed a desire to settle down and start a family if he finds the right partner.
Ian Thorpe, one of Australia’s most acclaimed athletes, is gaining new attention from fans after his appearance on The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. This renewed interest is largely focused on his personal life and relationships.
Ian Thorpe's Relationship History and Career Highlights
Ian Thorpe, who retired from competitive swimming in 2006 before attempting a comeback in 2012, is tied with Emma McKeon for holding the record for the most Olympic medals by any Australian athlete. Despite his public successes, Thorpe's personal life has faced its own challenges, particularly regarding relationships.
Thorpe's Public Coming Out and Family Aspirations
His most recent relationship was with Australian model and entrepreneur Ryan Channing, which began in 2015. This was notably Thorpe's first public same-sex relationship following his coming out in 2014. During their time together, they were discreet about their relationship yet shared aspirations of starting a family. In 2019, Thorpe revealed their intentions to visit a clinic in Los Angeles, stating, "We're talking about it and have for a while, but it's still early days."
Amicable Split and Ongoing Friendship
Thorpe and Channing ended their relationship in late 2019, confirming the breakup with The Daily Telegraph. "Yes, the rumours are true, we have parted ways. It has all been very amicable. We have stayed friends," Thorpe stated at the time. Following their separation, the two maintained a friendship and co-parented their dog, Kaia. Channing later married civil engineer Leevon Baptise.
Reflections on Loss and Future Aspirations
In the wake of Channing's tragic passing in May 2022, Thorpe expressed his sorrow in an interview with The Daily Telegraph. He described their relationship as a significant long-term bond and emphasized concern for Channing's family, saying, "I hope people are able to respect their privacy as well. I think when it is someone that is so young, it is tragic for anyone to see them passing at that kind of age."
Current Relationship Status
As of August 2023, Ian Thorpe has indicated that he is currently single. In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, he mentioned, "At the moment I am single and looking." He also expressed a desire to eventually settle down and start a family, highlighting the importance of family in his upbringing and the hope that it might materialize for him in the future.
