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Australian swimming champions Ian Thorpe, Giaan Rooney and Ariarne Titmus will headline Nine’s Wide World of Sports’ all-star commentary line up for the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Melbourne.
With some of the world’s best short course swimmers heading Down Under from December 13-18, the trio of world champions will be poolside to provide expert insight on all the action.
Making the announcement on Sports Sunday, Thorpe said he was excited to share his expert knowledge with Channel 9 viewers who had once watched his greatest triumphs on the international stage.
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“It’s going to be great to be able to share my knowledge back with viewers,” he said.
“I love discussing the intricacies of swimming and sharing those insights, which hopefully educates more people towards our sport.
“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 and give her understanding of the sport.”
Rooney echoed a similar sentiment, marking a homecoming of sorts in her acclaimed media career since retiring from swimming in 2006.
The FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) will be broadcast exclusively, live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now in primetime.
“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 the sport of swimming for Nine once again,” she said.
“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 but I’m honoured to be on the mic with Olympic legend, Ian Thorpe and current Olympic champion, Ariarne Titmus.”
As the reigning Olympic champion for the 200m and 400m freestyle, Titmus said she was eager to experience racing from a different perspective.
“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 it and it’s a fresh challenge for me,” she said.
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