Joint Statement: Labor Leader Kim Beazley and Senator Kate Lundy
Labor wishes Ian Thorpe all the best in his retirement and thank him for his fantastic contribution to Australian sport over the last 10 years.
Thorpe is indeed a super-fish and it takes great courage for an athlete to retire from a sport in which they remain competitive.
His ability to swim both the short and middle distance races is a mark of his poolside prowess and his retirement is a big loss to Australian swimming.
Thorpe has inspired many Australians, especially young Australians, throughout his career.
He has achieved many accolades – his five Olympic gold medals are the most of any Australian; a World Championship gold medal in 1998 made him the youngest ever individual male world champion; six gold in one world championship in 2001 and 11 world championship gold medals in total is the most by any swimmer.
And he is only just 24.
Labor wishes Ian all the best for what will no doubt be a successful future.
For more information, Contact Kate Lundy 0419421553
