Ian Thorpe's father is Ken and he is a gardener.

The pic below is of Ken with one of Ian's trophies after he won silver in the 400m freestyle in the 1997 Pan Pacific.

His mother, Margaret is a teacher. She once said she still sees Ian as a messy teenager with a messy bedroom. The fame hasn't changed him,"

The pic below is of Ian and Margaret

His sister Christina is an ex- long distance swimmer. She had to cut her career short due to a shoulder injury. It was tough for her because she made the national team but each time things were looking good another injury would come along.

The pic below is a happy one of Christina and Ian in the olympic pool.

His family is very supportive of Ian. They usually stay in the background when it comes to media, by choice. Ian has a policy that media is not allowed in his house. He says this is because his home is the only place he can get away from everything. Also he has all his medals and trophies in one room (along with Christina's). He says this is so he can walk through the house without it feeling like a shrine.
 
 
 
 

A very good friend of Ian's is Michael who is actually Christina's brother-in-law. A few years ago he had to have major surgery. "When I was in pain from training I used to think 'This is nothing compared to what Michael goes through'," Ian said.  He also stated that because of Michael he sees how precious life is and how to love what you do, to love each day, to appreciate it and make the most of your gifts.

The pic below is what Ian thinks is the best pic of him and Christina brother-in-law Michael.

Another good friend of Ian Thorpe's is his couch, Doug Frost. He has been with Doug Frost for 10 years, since he was about 9 - 10! He says his relationship with his couch is hard to explain but he also says that there is a lot of respect and admiration between the two as they have known each other for a long time now.

The pic below is a relaxed photo taken at the Sydney International Aquatic Centre.

Some of his other good friends include, Grant Hackett, Susie O'Neill, Kieran Perkins and Michael Klim.

The pic below is of Ian Thorpe, Grant Hackett, Susie O'Neill and Michael Klim at a dinner.