Ian Thorpe to Star in First Episode of Revived ‘This Is Your Life’

Ian Thorpe will be the subject of a special “This Is Your Life” episode on Channel 7.

The Olympic Gold medalist will be given the iconic big red book by host Melissa Doyle on Sunday, July 24.

The Thorpe episode marks the show’s return to television. It first premiered on the Seven Network in 1975, fronted by Mike Willesee. Other iterations have been hosted by Digby Wolfe, Roger Climpson, Mike Munro and Eddie McGuire.

Seven said the return of the series would be full of surprises and revelations, as audiences “learn about the man behind the glory”.

The episode will feature appearances from Cathy Freeman, John Howard, Michael Klim, Grant Hackett, Pieter van den Hoogenband, Layne Beachley, Bruce McAvaney, Geoff Huegill, Merrick Watts and Tim ‘Rosso’ Ross.

Jimmy Barnes will then take to the stage for a special performance, celebrating his friendship with the sporting superstar.

Thorpe has five Olympic Gold medals and 10 Golds from the Commonwealth Games. At just 14, he was the youngest ever male to represent Australia, and his win in the 400 metre freestyle at the Perth World Championships in 1998 made him the youngest-ever individual male World Champion. He retired from competitive swimming in 2006, however he did make a short comeback in 2011 and 2012.

“This Is Your Life” is produced by ITV Studios Australia for the Seven Network. The Ian Thorpe episode will screen on Sunday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m. on Channel 7 and 7Plus.