The world was forever changed 22 years ago when two planes struck the World Trade Center in New York City, resulting in a tragic loss of lives. Among those who experienced a close call during the 9/11 attacks was legendary swimmer Ian Thorpe.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Ian Thorpe found himself in New York City with a plan to visit the World Trade Center (WTC). The five-time Olympic champion had embarked on an early morning run and was en route to the WTC’s observation deck when he realized he had left his camera behind. Little did he know that this momentary lapse would potentially save his life.
“I went down there on the morning of 9/11,” Thorpe recounted, as reported by Compete Network. “It was early in the morning, and I went for a run.The jets impacted literally as I was returning to my hotel room after grabbing a coffee. A very, very close call indeed.
Michelle, a friend of Thorpe’s, who was living with him at the time, had initially intended to go running. Thorpe had wanted to go to the World Trade Centre with her. I suggested that we climb the World Trade Centre in the morning before climbing the Empire State Building at night, he recalled. However, I ended up being the one that went down there. You understand it’s fate when things like that happen. I am aware that some things were meant to be, and I am very fortunate.
Thorpe, who was only 18 at the time, had come to New York City to investigate his interests in the fashion business. Additionally, he was appearing to talk about his swimming accomplishments of late, which included a spectacular effort in the 2001 World Championships in Fukuoka. In competitions like the men’s 200 free (1:44.06), 400 free (3:40.17), 800 free (7:39.16), and Australia’s 800 free relay (7:04.66), he won six gold medals and established four world records.
This amazing accomplishment came after Thorpe’s stunning Olympic debut in Sydney, where he won gold in the men’s 400-meter freestyle, thrillingly led Australia’s 400-meter freestyle relay team to victory, and added another gold to his collection in the 800-meter freestyle relay.
Thorpe continued to flourish in the sport of swimming after his close call with the 9/11 attacks. His greatest accomplishment was winning the highly anticipated “Race of the Century” in the men’s 200 free at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, narrowly upsetting the reigning champion Pieter van den Hoogenband and American rising star Michael Phelps. Thorpe edged off fellow countryman Grant Hackett to win his title in the 400 free as well.
Thorpe won three more World Championships during his career in 2003, and at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, he broke a world record in the 400-meter freestyle with a time of 3:40.08.
After withdrawing from the Commonwealth Games in 2006 due to bronchitis, Thorpe briefly returned to competitive swimming in 2011, eyeing a spot at the 2012 Olympics in London. Unfortunately, he fell short at the Australian Olympic Trials.
Beyond his sporting achievements, Thorpe has made a significant impact through advocacy. He has been an outspoken supporter of same-sex marriage in Australia and has openly discussed his struggles with depression and the challenges he faced as a gay elite athlete. In 2017, he presented a two-part documentary aimed at shedding light on the effects of bullying.
It serves as a reminder of the incredible tales, like Ian Thorpe’s, that came out of that awful day as we reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001. 2,977 people died as a result of the attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., according to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
