Ian Thorpe, Ariarne Titmus, Giaan Rooney for Nine’s FINA World Swimming Championships

Bonafide swimming champions Ian Thorpe, Ariarne Titmus and Giaan Rooney have joined the commentary line-up for Nine’s upcoming broadcast of the FINA World Swimming Championships from Melbourne.

Nine will screen the event Live in primetime from December 13-18.

“Channel 9 has an absolutely outstanding history in broadcasting swimming, and considering their audience probably watched me winning World Championships, or breaking world records, it’s going to be great to share my knowledge now with viewers,” said Ian Thorpe.

“I’m particularly excited to be working alongside Giaan, who I grew up with, and it’s also fantastic to see Ariarne, another Olympic champion, come on board to give her understanding of the sport.

“I love discussing the intricacies of swimming and sharing those insights, which hopefully educates more people about our sport.”

Nine Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: “Nine has a rich history of broadcasting swimming and we are proud to be partnering with FINA on their upcoming events.

“We are equally excited to have Olympic gold medallists, world champions and Australian swimming superstars Ian Thorpe, Giaan Rooney and Ariarne Titmus forming our team of experts.

“Their insight and knowledge will be invaluable in bringing viewers closer to the action and enhancing our poolside coverage in Melbourne.”

Ariarne Titmus, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Nine’s Wide World of Sports for the short-course World Championships in Melbourne. I’m excited to experience racing from a new perspective and challenge myself in a new role on pool deck.

“Thorpey has always been a hero of mine and Giaan is one of the best swimming broadcasters anywhere in the world, so to be alongside them is something I’m really looking forward to, and it’s a fresh challenge for me.”

Returning to Nine, Giaan Rooney said: “After swimming my last race on Channel 9 and starting my broadcasting career as part of the legendary Wide World of Sports swimming commentary team, it feels very familiar and natural to be showcasing swimming for Nine once again.

“This time, not only do we have many of our current Olympic superstars such as Emma McKeon, Kaylee McKeown, Mollie O’Callaghan, Mack Horton and Kyle Chalmers going for gold in the pool, I’m also honoured to be on the mic with the Olympic legend, Ian Thorpe, and our current Olympic champion, Ariarne Titmus.”

Wide World of Sports commentator Mat Thompson will call the races live and Tony Jones will host the network’s coverage.