After his major success in the Olympics, which spread his notoriety all over the world, Thorpe took a break from swimming and went to New York. He was flown over by fashion designer Giorigo Armani to attend the opening of his museum, "Armani's Guggenheim Museum." While in New York he mixed with people such as Claudia Schiffer, Ashley Judd, Eva Herzigova and many other Hollywood megastars. On his birthday - the 13th October- Ian was in the audience of Jay Leno's Tonight Show and was asked to co-host the show for the night. Ian also went to New York in an attempt to appear on his favourite show "Friends". Apparently he succeeded but because of something to do with unions in America only his feet will be shown...

Here's Ian in various snaps of him on his trip. Click to see larger image.