THORPIE’S BABY JOY!
The Olympic swimmer prepares for fatherhood as he reveals he would love to start a family
With five Olympic gold medals under his belt, Ian Thorpe has had plenty to celebrate over the years.
But the former swimming champion looks set to mark his biggest milestone yet as he prepares to become a father with boyfriend Ryan Channing – something he’s dreamed about for years.
“I’ve always wanted to have a family – a family of my own,” says Thorpie. “I’ve loved being an uncle and I would love being a father as well.”
As well as preparing for fatherhood, last month Ian hinted he and Ryan – who went public with their relationship in 2016 – would tie the knot as soon as the law changes in Australia, which will possibly be within weeks.
“I wouldn’t want to comment just yet [on our marriage plans],” Ian has said coyly.
“After Christmas, as long as it goes through, ask me again then.”
It’s hardly surprising then that the 35-year-old is already thinking about taking his relationship with his law student and model boyfriend, 28, to the next level by setting the wheels in motion to start a family.
Earlier this year, Ian said settling down was “very important” to him, and that he loves being an uncle to his sister Christine’s little boy, Hayden, who was born in April.
Sharing a heartwarming shot of him cradling his baby nephew in his arms, he wrote, “Uncle duties today with my 2 week old nephew Hayden.”
Proving he’s given it some thought, Ian even said he could envisage living with his own family on the coast.
“It’s not something that’s going to happen in the next few years, but kind of more long-term, but it is something that’s very important to me and something I’d love to be able to have,” he said.
“The cottage by the sea idea is growing on me, now that I think about.”
Judging by his recent comments, we may be hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet sooner rather than later!
‘I’ve always wanted to have a family of my own’