Airdate: Ian Thorpe: The Parkinson Interview
TEN will run a lengthy interview between Michael Parkinson and its own network talent, Ian Thorpe.
- Published by David Knox
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TEN will broadcast a “world exclusive” interview with its own talent, Ian Thorpe: The Parkinson Interview.
The interview by Sir Michael Parkinson on “the private and sometimes troubled world of Ian Thorpe OAM” was conducted this week, after Thorpe has signed to Network TEN. So it begs the question whether a network running an interview with its own talent can really be as independent as one who is not.
While TEN claims “no question off limits” (did Parky ask how much is contract is worth?), it would have been a better get before Thorpe had signed on the network line.
It will also run for a whopping 90 minutes, pushing Masterchef back to 8pm.
Ian has made the brave decision to be himself. With no question off limits, the master interviewer will examine the good times and the bad, the triumphs and the trauma that Ian has faced throughout his life.
Sir Michael said: “Ian Thorpe has always been near the top of my list to interview. The reasons are obvious. Not many athletes can claim to be the best of all time. Ian can.
“The story of a boy who was a teenage World Champion, conquered the world and then seemed to give it all away is a fascinating and intriguing one.
“His fight against depression offers a unique insight into the darker side of celebrity and success. What fascinates me most about Ian is that apart from the very beginning of his career, he never seemed to enjoy and celebrate his success. It will be interesting to find out the reasons why,” he said.
Network Ten Executive Director of News and Current Affairs, Peter Meakin, said: “This promises to be an absorbing encounter – a sporting hero with a fascinating story, paired with an interviewer whose reputation is deservedly legendary.”
Affectionately known to many as Thorpedo, Ian broke 22 world records and won five gold, three silver and one bronze Olympic medals. He has also collected 11 World Championship titles, 10 Commonwealth Games gold medals and nine Pan Pacific titles.
Outside the pool, Ian has pursued a number of ventures showcasing his passion for charity work media, art, fashion, food and travel. Ian’s recent projects include the publication of his autobiography, This Is Me, as well as a feature documentary entitled The Swimmer.
Updated: Sunday, July 13, at 6pm.
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- Tagged with Ian Thorpe: The Parkinson Interview, MasterChef Australia
7 Responses
Who cares if he’s gay or not? Why does it matter so much to people? Let him share his private life if he wants to or just leave him alone. I don’t really think these tell-all interviews are doing him any good. He needs to get out of the limelight and rebuild his life in peace.
I agree with Veritas
Is anybody interested? He won’t answer the question everybody wants to know – “Are you gay?” – and we know everything else about him by the constant media circus surrounding him. Please, let’s move on. Aussie tennis has a new champion from the now generation, hopefully swimming will soon follow.
I would expect the topic to be broached, as it has been before.
@Jake S – don’t worry, with the amount of ads that they’ll cram in it should come in under an hour. Seriously, Lance Armstrong only got just over 90 minutes and that was a doco on a subject a lot more interesting than Thorpie.
What is it with Ten including the post-nominal titles for their on-air sporting talent lately? I’m not more likely to tune in to Adam Gilchrist because he is a Member of the Order of Australia.
90 mins for an interview with a single subject? Geez… he’d want to reveal some serious bombshells, or otherwise watch the figures dive early on (if they start high at all against the reality shows)