Look for the host broadcast of the 16th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) 2022 to make quite a splash with the all-star commentary line-up of Ian Thorpe, Ariarne Titmus and Giaan Rooney for the six days of competition from Melbourne.
Taking place from 13-18 December, the trio of world champions will be poolside to provide expert insight for Australians tuning in to the event host broadcaster Channel 9.
Australia’s all-time great Ian Thorpe dropped the news over the weekend on a Sunday sports show.
“It’s going to be great to share my knowledge now with viewers,” said 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.”
Current 200m and 400m freestyle Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus said: “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.”
Making a network homecoming to her distinguished media career, 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.”