How does Thorpie handle things? We have a chat and find out.

We chat with legend in the pool and out of it Ian Thorpe to see how optimism is helping him navigate these choppy waters. 

Just to give you an idea of how grounded and down-to-earth he is, Ian Thorpe prefers “Thorpie”.

It’s just one of the small, happy ironies that come from a chat with the multiple gold medalist and Optus Ambassador, who made his mark on the world from the water at a very young age.

We sat down with the swimming (and all round) legend to talk about the power positivity has in helping you push through troubled waters.

Hi Ian, it’s great to talk to you. Or do you prefer to be called Thorpie?

Thorpie’s great, thanks.

Alright, awesome. Thorpie it is. So, how’s the feeling among the team right now after news of the postponement?

Well, they’re disappointed. But at the same time, they haven’t lost the perspective that there’s a lot of people hurting at the moment. People in Australia are worried about their jobs and families, and I think most athletes know the Olympic Gold isn’t worth your life or anyone else’s.

Is it tough to stay fit as an Olympic athlete in a time like this?

Yes, definitely. When they’re training for a Games, athletes work in four-year training cycles, building to the peak of their fitness when the Olympics roll around in that fourth year.

To stay at that peak for a whole extra 12 months is going to be difficult for some.

So, is there a treadmill equivalent for swimmers? How can you guys stay fit when there are no pools?

There’s this thing called a swim flume for elite level swimmers… it blasts water at you super fast, you need to work really hard just to keep up. Otherwise you get slammed into the back of the pool.

But I guess for everyone else who’se not a professional, there’s Vortex Spas. They’re pretty good if you’re just looking to keep fit.

Is that spirit of camaraderie still strong among the team? Is staying connected helping them stay positive?

Yep, The Games are a celebration of what we can achieve together, and that spirit is still strong. Everyone’s leaning on each other and keeping in touch, especially among each individual team.

Athletes are still part of the community too, so keeping connected to everyone else, like their family, friends, loved ones and people around them is really helping them out.

I’ve heard that Thomas Bach, President of the IOC said: “The Olympic Flame can be a light at the end of this dark tunnel”.

That’s good! I hadn’t heard that.

And how about yourself? What are you doing to stay optimistic?

I get inspiration from doing what I can to help others and support the community.

I like telling people about Reachout.com, for example. It’s a mental health resource that’s critical for at-risk youth, especially at a time like this. There’s heaps of tools and tips for better mental health on there, it’s really awesome.   

It sounds awesome! Can I drop a shameless plug here for Donate Your Data? I think we’re on the same page about helping young Australians in need…

Ha, ok sure. And yes, we are on the same page so if you can, please help those who don’t have regular access to internet and donate your data.

On the local level, things like keeping an eye out for my neighbours. I’ve got a chicken soup I like to make, and I leave it on my elderly neighbour’s doorstep. Uncertainty creates worry, so it’s just so she knows someone’s there and thinking about her.

It’s a small thing, but I like to think it helps. And I called my grandmother too. I wanted to see her, but I knew that I couldn’t. It was the responsible thing to do.

Aw, that’s great. But you’re taking care of yourself too though, right? And tips you’d like to share?

Sure. Walking my dog (with social distancing, obviously), doing pushups against the wall, breaking up the day. Getting as much oxygen into the brain as I can.

I like to hang out with my housemates, and I stay connected to friends and family as much as possible. Social media’s the best! Especially the chat and image apps.

What’re you listening to at the moment?

I like classical for when I want to relax, but sometimes ugly, 90’s/2000’s pop is good too.

Ha ha sounds like a pretty good combo. Ok, just before we finish up, is there anything you’d like to say? Any message you’d like to put out there to help people stay optimistic?

I’d say uncertainty creates worry… Never lose sight of what you’re working towards, keep your focus on 12 months ahead.

Thanks, Thorpie! Great chatting.  

Thanks! You too.

Check out more articles and interviews with Optus ambassadors on Hype, and stay tuned for your daily dose of optimistic energy.