This Is Your Life makes a splash with Ian Thorpe from July 24

Australia’s most successful male Olympian Ian Thorpe is celebrated by the people who know him best in the premiere episode of This Is Your Life, 7.00pm Sunday on Channel Seven and 7plus.

The big red book is now in the hands of host Melissa Doyle who surprises Thorpe during a motivational speech he is presenting at Sydney Olympic Park, the site of some of his greatest triumphs.

Audiences will learn about the man behind the glory and how it all started as Thorpe is joined by his family, friends, and the one rival he thought he’d never see again.

The line-up of Australian and international guests include Cathy Freeman, John Howard, Michael Klim, Grant Hackett, Pieter van den Hoogenband, Layne Beachley, Bruce McAvaney, Geoff Huegill, and Merrick & Rosso, plus more to be revealed on the night. The people involved will share untold stories about Thorpe for the very first time.

Audiences will hear how Ian was invited to Kate and William’s royal wedding and about his friendship with one of the world’s most famous designers, Giorgio Armani.

Jimmy Barnes will take to the This is Your Life stage for a special performance and speaks about how he and Thorpe struck up an unlikely friendship.

Ian Thorpe, This is Your Life will be a celebration for every Australian who has marvelled at the achievements of one of our favourite sons.

This Is Your Life is an ITV Studios Australia production for the Seven Network.